The Rise of Car Vandalism in Canada

Car vandalism is quickly becoming a top issue for police departments across Canada. Tesla dealerships across the country saw a marked increase in vandalism incidents last month, as Canadians grow increasingly frustrated over tensions with the U.S. Beyond property damage, these incidents have a ripple effect that impacts neighbourhood safety, damages the reputation of businesses, and leaves residents and property managers feeling vulnerable. In this blog, we’ll discuss how a professional security presence can help proactively keep neighbourhoods, businesses, and cars secure. 

Tesla Vandalism Incidents Across Canada

Tesla vehicles have become a primary target for acts of vandalism this year. What began as isolated incidents has escalated into disruptive, targeted attacks that negatively affect communities and safety. 

The Vancouver International Auto Show recently pulled Tesla from its exhibition, citing safety concerns as the primary reason behind the decision. This announcement followed a surge in vandalism reports across the country, including in Vancouver. The Vancouver Police Department reported that it “received 28 vandalism reports connected to Tesla, including spray-painted slurs, smashed windshields and rocks thrown at private vehicles — up from zero such reports in all of 2024.” 

Other Canadian cities, such as Calgary and Montreal,  have experienced similar incidents, including graffiti on Tesla dealership buildings and Tesla vehicles being deliberately set on fire at charging stations. One of the most serious incidents occurred last month in Hamilton, where 80 vehicles at a Tesla dealership were found with slashed tires and deep scratches in the largest case of car vandalism ever reported in Canada.

Regardless of the motivations behind these attacks, these incidents pose a growing threat to neighbourhood safety and business operations.

The Impact of Car Vandalism

The consequences of car vandalism affect more than vehicle owners and perpetrators. When a major act of vandalism, such as a vehicle arson, occurs in a neighbourhood, it creates a sense of unease and insecurity. When people feel unsafe in a neighbourhood where they live or work, they may reduce their community engagement. Additionally, as we covered in a previous blog, visible vandalism can encourage further criminal acts, as potential criminals may feel as though they can commit a crime without being caught.

Businesses, especially malls and shopping centres with aboveground parking lots or underground parkades, also experience negative consequences from car vandalism. If visitors feel unsafe at a retail centre, they may take their business elsewhere. These repeated incidents not only damage vehicles but also tarnish a business’s reputation, as their property may not be considered safe or secure.

Increased insurance premiums resulting from multiple vandalism claims can affect vehicle owners and commercial property owners, putting a strain on their finances. Additionally, these incidents put unnecessary stress on public resources. Police departments must allocate time and officers to investigate property crimes, which diverts attention from emergencies.

How Security Guards Help Deter Vehicle Vandalism

Security guards are highly effective in preventing and responding to vehicle vandalism. Their presence alone acts as a strong visual deterrent, but their utility goes beyond surveillance. 

Uniformed Security Guards

Uniformed security guards are the most effective frontline solution to deterring vandalism before it occurs. Their uniforms serve as a strong visual deterrent that clearly communicates that a property is well protected. Uniformed guards can be stationed at key locations and conduct regular patrols in and around the properties to spot suspicious activity as it arises. 

While on patrol, uniformed security guards conduct perimeter checks, verify the security of access points, report maintenance issues, and respond to triggered alarms. Since these guards are on-site and available to respond at a moment’s notice, their presence offers valuable protection in preventing situations from escalating. Businesses and property owners gain peace of mind knowing their properties are consistently protected.

Mobile Security Patrols

Mobile patrols offer a flexible and visible security presence for residential and commercial properties. Travelling between sites in a marked vehicle, mobile security guards conduct patrols on a randomized schedule, preventing potential vandals from gauging the best time to act. Mobile patrols are ideal for sites that don’t require a 24/7 on-site security presence, while still maintaining comprehensive coverage. 

In the event of suspicious activity, mobile guards can intervene quickly or contact police. Like their on-site counterparts, mobile security guards perform the same thorough checks during their scheduled patrols. Even when not stationed at a property between patrols, they will respond to triggered alarms. Sites protected by Blackbird Security benefit from our 24/7 Control Centre team, which immediately dispatches the nearest mobile security guard when an alarm is triggered. 

Mobile patrol security also offers a flexible security presence within residential neighbourhoods experiencing vehicle vandalism. Blackbird Security partnered with Toronto residents to provide neighbourhood watch support through mobile patrols and tactical security guards. 

Parking Lot Security

Parking lots and parkades are often prime targets for vandalism due to their limited visibility and lower foot traffic. These factors can make it easier for vandals to act without being noticed. A parking security presence reduces this risk, as guards can regularly patrol and monitor parking lots for suspicious activity. 

Parking security guards monitor CCTV feeds, patrol the area, report maintenance issues, and closely observe for any suspicious behaviour or signs of tampering. Their presence discourages loitering and unauthorized entry, while also enabling quick intervention if suspicious activity is detected.

Parking areas in shopping malls, condominiums, and corporate offices all benefit from a visible security presence. Security guards can also provide an added layer of support to tenants and visitors by offering assistance or escorting individuals to their vehicles when needed. 

Partner With Canada’s Best Security Provider

As car vandalism rises across Canada, property managers and owners must take steps to protect their sites proactively. Security services can prevent car vandalism in malls, corporate offices, shopping centres, residential buildings, and neighbourhoods, keeping communities safe and protected. 

We offer customizable services tailored to your property’s unique needs. Get in touch with us through the form below to learn how we can secure your property.