LAKELAND - As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, RCMP across the Lakeland region will once again be partnering with law enforcement partners across the province for Operation Cold Start.
The annual campaign is designed to work with the public to reduce the theft of idling vehicles during the winter months.
“Warming up your vehicle briefly before your commute might seem convenient, but this convenience can turn into a serious problem when your vehicle is stolen," says Sgt. Trevor Cardinal at the Lac La Biche RCMP detachment.
In the Lac La Biche service area last year, 137 vehicles were reported stolen. It's a statistic Cardinal says can be reduced with the help of local residents.
“The goal of Operation Cold Start is to reduce crime by educating Albertans on steps they can take to help keep their property safe," he tells Lakeland This Week, adding that vehicle theft doesn’t only effect vehicle owners. "it has an impact on the greater community. Not only do thefts increase the cost of insurance across the province, but stolen vehicles can also be used for further crime, or even be put back on the market and sold to unsuspecting Albertans."
Checking up
Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, law enforcement agencies across the Lakeland and across all of Alberta will be performing a variety of tasks to help keep vehicles safe. Police officers will be checking on unattended, idling vehicles to see if the keys are in them, and whether or not they are properly secured. Officers will also be participating in educational efforts to teach the public ways to keep their property safe.
Alberta RCMP offers tips for vehicle safety:
- If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, ensure that you’re parking in a visible well lit area.
- Visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks can help mitigate vehicle thefts and break-ins.
- If possible, look into automatic car starters as an option to warm your vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended if the keys are in it.
- Always lock your vehicles doors even if you’re parked in a drive way or garage.
- Never leave valuable items like wallets, keys, purses, or even change visible in an unoccupied vehicle.
- Most modern engines do not require a ‘warm-up’ period. If your vehicle does need to warm-up, do not leave it unattended.
