With the recent cold snap in Alberta, Airdrie RCMP is reminding everyone to ensure their vehicle is never unattended or unlocked with keys nearby or in the ignition.
“Approximately 25 per cent of stolen vehicles in Alberta are stolen while idling, and these thefts are far more prevalent in the cold winter months,” stated a press release from the detachment. “Vehicles can be stolen in seconds by thieves lying in wait. Often times, thieves will look for people who start their vehicles and then leave them unattended as they return in their houses or into a store."
To help keep vehicles safe, Airdrie RCMP is taking part in the province-wide “Operation Cold Start” campaign from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, from 6 to 9 a.m. This initiative will see police officers patrolling for unattended idling vehicles to determine if they are locked and/or have the keys in the ignition. Officers will work to educate owners on the various ways they may keep their property safe.
According to Airdrie RCMP, there are many ways to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen, such as using command-start options as a means of warming up your vehicle, or staying inside the vehicle when the engine is warming up. Other suggestions include not leaving valuables in plain sight in an unoccupied vehicle, and always placing keys in a safe place, out of sight, and in a secure location.
RCMP also recommends keeping vehicle doors locked at all times, even if parked in a garage or driveway at home, and never leaving a vehicle unattended if it is running or the keys are in it.
