Stay ahead of vehicle theft this summer with simple steps and OnStar – AutoMart Canada

Summer is peak season for road trips, beach days, and unfortunately, vehicle theft.

For three decades, OnStar has been there for customers when the unexpected happens, including helping get their vehicle back after it’s been stolen. Over the years, one concerning trend has consistently stood out: more than half of vehicle thefts stem from human error, like leaving a key fob in the vehicle or stepping away while the car is still running.

National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month is a timely reminder that a few simple precautions, along with connected vehicle technology working in the background, can make all the difference.

Vehicle theft remains a serious issue

In 2025, more than 650,000 vehicles were stolen in the United states — about one every 48 seconds. While this represents a 23% decline in vehicle theft from 2024, the lowest levels in several decades thanks in part to modern vehicle technology and security, it remains a significant issue.

“Vehicle theft is constantly evolving, and so is our approach to helping protect customers,” said Regina Carto, GM’s vice president of Global Product Safety, Systems and Certification. “We work closely with law enforcement and monitor theft trends so we can better understand emerging tactics, strengthen our technologies and help drivers stay a step ahead.”

Connected tools built into GM vehicles

For GM vehicles, OnStar connectivity enables built-in security tools designed to help deter and respond to vehicle theft. Model year 2025 and newer GM vehicles come standard with eight years of OnStar connectivity, allowing owners who opt in to remotely lock or unlock their vehicle through the mobile app and, in some cases, sound the alarm or flash the headlights if they notice suspicious activity nearby.

If vehicle alarms sound out of earshot of the owners, they can receive alarm notification via text, email or phone call and quickly take appropriate action.

OnStar advisors and stolen vehicle assistance

OnStar’s human element remains a major part of the response. OnStar advisors respond to an average of 1,500 stolen vehicle requests each month in North America. They receive special training to manage stolen-vehicle incidents, including technology deployment and collaboration with law enforcement to help support vehicle recovery. In some cases, OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance technology has helped law enforcement recover a vehicle in as little as 18 minutes.

Here’s how OnStar Members with an eligible plan can use Stolen Vehicle Assistance:

• First, report the theft to law enforcement and inform them your vehicle has active OnStar service.
• After law enforcement confirms the theft, OnStar can work with authorities to help locate the vehicle using GPS technology and aerial imagery.
• OnStar may support law enforcement with recovery by deploying these tools:
  • Remote Ignition Block can prevent the engine from being restarted.
  • Stolen Vehicle Slowdown can help bring the vehicle to idle speed, while maintaining braking and steering, when law enforcement determines it is safe to do so.

GM Fleet customers also have tools at their fingertips to stop trouble before it starts. With Drive Block technology integrated into GM’s fleet management system — OnStar Vehicle Insights — fleet managers can remotely disable a vehicle directly from the platform to block unauthorized use.

Tips for vehicle owners

“Technology matters, but simple habits still make a real difference,” Carto said. “Taking your keys, locking your doors, securing your garage and keeping your OnStar connection active can help reduce opportunity for thieves and improve response if something does happen.”

Here are some steps GM recommends to help prevent theft:

• Park in well-lit areas, lock the doors, close all windows and take the key with you.
• Treat a key fob or key card like cash: never leave it in an unoccupied vehicle and avoid leaving it near an often-unlocked door at home.
• Keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving laptops or other electronics in the vehicle.
• Secure the home garage, which can be an easy target when left open or unlocked.
• Store wheel lock keys in a place thieves are less likely to find, rather than in glove boxes or center consoles.
• Review vehicle security settings and make sure OnStar services are up to date.

Looking ahead

Vehicle security depends on both smart technology and informed drivers. While GM encourages the basic precautions, the company will continue evolving its OnStar connected tools, trained advisor support and collaboration with law enforcement to help deter theft and aid in recovery of stolen vehicles.