According to a thinkinsure article, last updated Jan. 5, 2026, the Toyota RAV4 is the most stolen vehicle in Canada. | Mik Horvath/MBC
The Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) OPP have put out a notice about targeted Toyotas following a recent string of thefts in the Valley.
According to UOV OPP, a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander SUV was stolen from a residential driveway on Irving Street in Pembroke in the overnight hours between April 2 and April 3.
The SUV is blue in colour and the license plate, CZYJ 424, was still attached to the car during the theft.
Police said simultaneously there was an attempted theft of a 2025 Toyota Tacoma truck from a driveway on Boucher Street in Laurentian Valley Township.
OPP media relations officer, Shawn Peever, said eight vehicles were successfully stolen from Upper Valley residents since March 1 with another three attempted thefts.
Of the 11 incidents, 100 per cent of targeted vehicles were Toyota models.
Commonly targeted models include the Tundra, Tacoma, Highlander and Grand Highlander.
Most SUV’s and trucks are highly sought after and police have not ruled out organized crime.
Toyotas may be trendy, but any car could be at risk and the OPP has some tips to deter car thieves:
· Lock your vehicle and park inside a locked garage if possible
· Park a less valuable, or less targeted, vehicle to strategically block a high-risk vehicle in the driveway
· Use steering wheel/brake-pedal locks, or vehicle immobilizers
· Upgrade home exterior lighting and consider video surveillance or hidden GPS trackers
· Store your key fob in a protective case within your residence
· Remove all valuables from the vehicle
Anti-theft measures may not only save a car, but the owner’s wallet too.
Anyone with information regarding recent incidents, including any relevant video footage from doorbell or security cameras in the surrounding areas of the incidents is asked to contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 613-732-3332 or Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at www.valleytips.ca.
Peever said the police wants residents to keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles patrolling neighbourhoods for vulnerable vehicles and to notify local police of their presence.
He also said car owners can disconnect the battery or temporarily remove the fuel pump fuse to immobilize their vehicle.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
