Alberta RCMP remind drivers not to leave their vehicles idling while unoccupied. When the temperature drops, police see an increase in stolen vehicle incidents while leaving them unoccupied.
RCMP have estimated that about 33 per cent of all vehicle thefts occurred while the vehicle was idling and unoccupied. Vehicle thefts of this kind are crimes of opportunity and are completely preventable.
RCMP have the following safety tips to keep your vehicle secure, not only in the winter but the warmer months as well.
Don’t leave an idling vehicle unoccupied, even if locked; use a remote starter when possible with vehicle locked; deter theft with a steering wheel lock; don’t leave keys or door openers in or around a vehicle; don’t leave pets or kids in an idling vehicle; report suspicious activity immediately.
Many people believe that their vehicle won’t be stolen because they live on a quiet street or are only leave it unattended for a minute.
Reality is it just takes a second to steal a vehilce. Stolen vehicles pose a significant risk to public safety and we need the community’s help to prevent these easy thefts.
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