Communique on physical security 2024-004
Vehicle theft mitigation measures
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This bulletin from the RCMP LSA for Physical Security, is directed to Government of Canada (GC) employees. There has been an influx in personal automotive vehicle thefts in Canada in the past number of years, and that has also extended to GC fleet vehicles. Rates of vehicle theft rose in 2022 by 50% in Quebec, 48.3% in Ontario, 34.5% in Atlantic Canada, and 18.35% in Alberta compared to 2021. In relation to GC fleet vehicles, reports indicate that 48 vehicles from 14 GC departments and agencies were stolen from January 2016 to February 2024, mostly in Ontario.
The intent of this COPS is to provide security practitioners and employees with best practices to prevent potential thefts of GC fleet vehicles; while also providing tips to remain security conscious including employing security awareness training. Following is a checklist of some of the “Best practices and practices to avoid” to consider when an employee has possession of, or is responsible for a GC fleet vehicle.
For security practitioners
- Be aware of, as part of a Threat and Risk Assessment (TRA), potential threats against your department, or within your location, of the risks toward vehicle thefts. Whether it involves individual threat actors or organized crime in the area of your GC Facility;
- Enhance security measures to protect fleet vehicles. This may include installing barriers such as fences and gates, bollards for parking and impact, CCTV/CCVE cameras, adequate lighting, as well as an effective security monitoring program to protect the site and deter any potential adversaries;
- Consider reviewing vehicle theft history and anti-theft design prior to procuring vehicles that pose a higher risk of being stolen (Canada's most and least stolen vehicles — Economical Insurance); and
- Enhance current Security Awareness Programs by adding vehicle theft mitigation awareness to educate GC employees.
To ensure there are effective safeguards and mitigation measures at GC facilities, refer to the most current TRA or, if needed, perform a TRA before adjusting or employing additional safeguards. GCPSG-009 (2022) - Security Fencing Considerations Guide provides information on the security functions of perimeter fencing and limiting access control of unauthorized individuals to a site. GCPSG-004 (2020) - Security Lighting Considerations Guide provides information on the security functions of exterior security lighting and placement at GC facilities. Please consult these and other applicable guidance on the RCMP LSA's website. The interdependency of safeguard groupings can lower the probability of a vehicle being stolen from a GC facility.
RCMP LSA best practices
At a GC facility
- Park in a secure parking lot if possible (covered or uncovered) that is monitored (for example with an attendant). If parking the vehicle on the street, ensure it is in clearly visible area and close to the facility being visited; and
- Ensure proper sign-out procedures and accounting of GC fleet vehicles are followed.
At a private residence
- Park in a secure garage or back up into your driveway and use the emergency brake. This will lock the rear tires on a vehicle and make it more difficult to tow.
Common to all situations
- Keep keys away from a front door or entryway and consider using faraday boxes or bags to store keys and key fobs. These will block wireless signals from reaching key fobs, making it harder to steal a vehicle;
- Lock doors and ensure windows are closed;
- Confirm if there is an anti-theft device installed on the vehicle (steering-wheel lock, anti-theft club, or alarm) and if so, ensure these devices are operable and used;
- Keep personal items in the trunk of the vehicle out of sight or remove the items and keep in your possession;
- Ensure the vehicle keys and spares are in your possession at all times;
- Perform an inspection of a vehicle to check for suspected tampering and a theft attempt (brakes, catalytic converters, door handles, etc.);
- Watch out for abnormal behaviour such as stalking and report suspicious behaviour to local police with information such as a person's description, vehicle, and plate number; and
- Employees should take Security Awareness training regularly.
RCMP LSA practices to avoid
- Parking a vehicle in an isolated area;
- Keeping the key or a spare key in the vehicle;
- Leaving a driver's licence, ID or access card in the vehicle;
- Leaving a vehicle running and left unattended;
- Leaving windows or doors open and unlocked;
- Placing GC departmental stickers or identifiers on the vehicle; and
- Leaving GC equipment such as laptops, phones, and documents in the vehicle when it is unattended, bring them with you.
In order for vehicle theft mitigation measures to be effective, GC departments and agencies must ensure there is adequate security awareness training for all employees. The development of guidance for internal departmental procedures such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other training is paramount. The “Recommended Practices” in the list above, are some points an employee should consider to ensure the protection of government assets (vehicles in this case) for which they are responsible. Accidents and unintended situations such as forgetting to lock a door or leaving a key in the vehicle are events that can be avoided if security awareness training is effectively applied when performing your duties as a GC employee.
If a vehicle has been stolen, report it through the proper channels within your department and contact local law enforcement.
Contact us
Contact the RCMP LSA with your Physical Security inquiries at RCMP LSA Org Email: RCMP.LSA-GRC.POSM@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or visit the RCMP LSA web page.
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