Operation Cold Start: Alberta RCMP find hundreds of vehicles idling with potential to be stolen

Alberta RCMP says officers were able to find hundreds of vehicles left idling during their latest Operation Cold Start.

At various times each year, RCMP, along with other police forces, conduct Operation Cold Start in an effort to prevent vehicle thefts in the winter.

The RCMP latest effort was conducted between Jan. 20-24. During this time frame, Mounties noted 504 unlocked vehicles that had been left idling with keys in the ignition and 1,277 locked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition.

Due to this, Mounties spoke to 625 vehicle owners and provided 1,128 information pamphlets in an effort to educate vehicle owners on how to keep their vehicles safe during winter months.

“This campaign was a great chance to meet with community members and remind them that as temperatures dip, leaving a vehicle unattended can lead to it being stolen by opportunistic thieves who can then travel to commit additional crimes,” said Cpl. Mike Black of the Alberta RCMP’s auto theft unit.

“By following simple tips, such as using a remote starter, remaining in the vehicle as it warms up, and remembering that vehicles with push starts can be driven without a key present, theft of vehicles can be reduced.”

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