Gone in less than 3 minutes: Moncton car dealer frustrated by vehicle theft
Older vehicles easily stolen, but so are those with modern technology, says insurance industry investigator
When Kevin Campbell took a 1991 Chevy truck in trade at his dealership on Moncton's Salisbury Road in early November, he didn't have it for long.
But not because it sold right away.
The 1991 Chevrolet C1500 SS 454, listed for more than $28,000, was stolen off his lot on Nov. 14, around 1:30 a.m., he said.
"This truck is very distinct. There wouldn't be another one, I bet you, in all of New Brunswick. If there was, there would be one or two, so very recognizable, very distinguishable truck, very desirable truck."
Campbell's property is equipped with an AI-based security system.The cameras track movement and the system also flashes red and blue lights, sounds an alarm and allows a security guard to talk to trespassers. He said he's spent more than $10,000 on it. It didn't stop the theft.
Both Campbell and the RCMP say they arrived at the scene within minutes, but the thieves had already left.
"They knew they could steal this truck and get out of here, and it took them two minutes and 11 seconds," he said.
"I'm mad, I'm upset, I'm — I'm frustrated, I'm every emotion you can imagine. This is a blow."
Codiac RCMP say they are investigating the theft. According to the latest statistics, there have been 386 motor vehicle thefts in Moncton, 84 in Dieppe and 56 in Riverview, so far in 2024. This data was last updated on Nov. 22.
Bryan Gast is the vice-president for investigative services at Équité Association, an organization that works to stop crime on behalf of the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry.
Gast, who is also a former police officer, was not surprised by how quickly the theft occurred.
He said a vehicle that old could easily be stolen in a few minutes using simple tools but those with modern technology may get stolen even faster.
"They've figured out how to do it the old-fashioned way as well as with new technology. So they can do it from both sides," Gast said. And the thieves don't always work under the cover of darkness.
"What used to happen pretty much exclusively between 1:00 and 5:00 in the morning is now happening in broad daylight in busy areas … they are so efficient and effective at the ability to steal vehicles that it doesn't take them long and it almost doesn't even look out of place."
Gast said vehicles manufactured after 2007 are often stolen by capturing the radio frequency of the key fob to start them, by reprogramming the key fob, or by gaining access to the vehicle's electronics and computer.
The stolen vehicles are either used to commit another crime, take a joyride, sold part by part, exported to another country or by changing its vehicle identification number and selling it, he said.
"I think this is just ... a really good example of the older models are still definitely targets."
"This shows the importance of a standard to have all vehicles protected, have effective anti-theft measures right from the manufacture," he said.
He said in 2007, a standard was introduced making it mandatory for manufacturers to have an immobilizer installed in vehicles, however thieves were able to adapt to that. Gast said that standard has not been modernized since then.
Gast said although the authorities are doing their best, people should apply a layered approach to make the vehicles harder to steal.
Park in a garage or a well-lit area, install devices such as a wheel or pedal lock, an aftermarket immobilizer or tracking device, he said.
"You don't have to do them all, but if you could do two or three of them … those are all good options to make it harder for them to steal," he said.
As a business owner, Campbell says the whole situation is upsetting.
"It just all frustrates me to think that you work so hard to earn what you have and people just think they can come and take it from you, like, that is so discouraging and so [brazen]."
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