BONNYVILLE – During the first week of February, Bonnyville RCMP members will be taking part in a province-wide initiative called Operation Cold Start that aims to help prevent “warm-up thefts.”
From Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, officers will be proactively seeking out idling vehicles left unattended during “peak idling hours.” When a vehicle is found idling and unattended, members will attempt to contact the owner to educate them on the risks associated with leaving their vehicles running.
If contact cannot be made with the owner, the officers may leave a pamphlet on the vehicle.
The purpose of Operation Cold Start is to provide education on preventative measures related to vehicle theft of idling vehicles, and to educate owners on the risks associated with leaving their vehicles unattended while idling.
“Auto thefts are crimes of opportunity,” states Alberta RCMP. “Do your part to keep your vehicle safe.”
The members taking part in the initiative will discuss safety measures with vehicle operators to encourage practices that assist in the prevention of vehicle theft.
Tips from Alberta RCMP include using a remote starter or remaining in the vehicle as it warms up.
They ask drivers to never leave keys in a vehicle and to keep in mind that “push-button” equipped vehicles can still be driven without the key present.
Never leave your kids or pets in the vehicle while it warms up, keep your vehicle locked at all times, use a steering wheel lock, and make sure you remove your garage door opener from your vehicle, adds the RCMP.
