The St. Albert RCMP is once again launching Operation Cold Start, their annual campaign aimed at reducing the theft of idling vehicles. They want to focus on working with the public to address crimes of opportunity, which occur when vehicles are left running, unlocked, and unattended.
The police say that St. Albert saw 157 vehicle thefts last year, some of which were left idling. Vehicle theft causes inconvenience for vehicle owners, but also pose broader risks to community safety as stolen vehicles are often used to commit additional crimes or sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Operation Cold Start will run from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24 this year. During that time, officers will be checking unattended idling vehicles to ensure the keys are not left inside and that they are properly secured. They will also participate in educational efforts, and are sharing the following tips to help people keep their vehicles safe:
- Park in a visible, well-lit area if a garage or driveway is unavailable.
- Use visible anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, to deter thieves.
- Consider installing an automatic car starter to safely warm your vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys inside.
- Always lock your vehicle, even when parked in a driveway or garage.
- Avoid leaving valuables like wallets, purse, or spare keys visible in your vehicle.
- Most modern vehicles don't require a long warm-up period; if warming up is necessary, stay with your vehicle.
Staff Sergeant Dwayne Moore states, "When you leave your vehicle running, even for a short time, you are giving opportunistic criminals a chance to jump in and drive away."
For more information about Operation Cold Start or to learn more about vehicle theft prevention, you can follow the RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.