COLD LAKE - This winter, the Cold Lake RCMP is once again partnering with law enforcement agencies across Alberta for Operation Cold Start.
Running from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, the initiative aims to combat the rising issue of vehicle theft during the winter months by educating the public on effective safety measures and proactively addressing unattended idling vehicles.
Why it matters
“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. Vehicle-related crimes often occur due to opportunistic situations,” according to Cold Lake RCMP.
The impact of vehicle theft extends beyond individual vehicle owners.
“Vehicle theft doesn’t only affect 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,” according to RCMP.
Winter crime statistics
According to RCMP, during January to March 2024, Cold Lake reported 43 break-and-enter incidents and 27 vehicle thefts. These numbers do show a decrease when compared to the same period in 2023 that saw 60 break-and-enters and 43 vehicle thefts.
This represents a 28 per cent reduction in break-and-enters and a 37 per cent decrease in vehicle thefts during the winter months.
How Operation Cold Start works
During the initiative, RCMP officers will focus on two key measures to enhance vehicle safety. First, they will inspect unattended and idling vehicles to ensure the vehicles are properly secured and that no keys have been left inside. Additionally, they will engage in educational efforts to inform the public about best practices for safeguarding their vehicles against theft and other risks.
“The goal of Operation Cold Start is to reduce crime by educating Albertans on steps they can take to help keep their property safe.”
Winter safety tips
To help prevent vehicle theft and related crimes, Alberta RCMP recommends the following:
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If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, ensure that you’re parked in a visible, well-lit area.
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Use visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks.
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Consider investing in an automatic car starter to warm your vehicle without leaving it unattended.
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Never leave your vehicle unattended with keys inside.
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Always lock your vehicle’s doors, even if parked in a garage or driveway.
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Keep valuable items such as wallets, keys, and purses out of sight in unoccupied vehicles.
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Remember that most modern engines do not require a ‘warm-up’ period; if warming up is necessary, stay with your vehicle.
