Since December 1, Red Deer RCMP have received reports of approximately 16 stolen vehicles, eight of which had been left idling, unlocked and unattended; in several cases, vehicle owners were so close by that they saw their vehicles being driven away by quick-moving thieves.

“Especially on cold weather mornings, thieves are cruising residential neighbourhoods and the parking lots of high-traffic businesses, looking for vehicles that have been left running,” says Corporal Karyn Kay of Red Deer RCMP.

“If you leave your vehicle unlocked and running, your chances of victimization are high – it takes mere seconds for an opportunistic thief to climb in and drive away.”

In such cold weather, police understand that it’s necessary to warm up vehicles, but RCMP urge drivers to use a spare key to lock your vehicle if you choose not to remain in it while it’s warming up, and to explore options such as remote vehicle starters, steering wheel club locks and alarm system stickers that will make you a less attractive target for thieves.