LAKELAND - In a bid to reduce the theft of vehicles that are idling to warm up in the winter, RCMP detachments across the Lakeland Region are taking part in Operation Cold Start from Jan. 20-24.
The annual initiative focuses on working with the public to address crimes of opportunity that occur when vehicles are left running, unlocked, or are not attended to. Some of the detachments that are participating in this campaign include Lac La Biche, St. Paul, Elk Point and Bonnyville.
Sgt. Trevor Cardinal with the Lac La Biche detachment acknowledges the theft of motor vehicles is an issue, especially in the winter.
“Most vehicle thefts in the winter months are crimes of opportunity,” he explains.
Last year, RCMP in the Lac La Biche area responded to 138 thefts involving vehicles.
In Bonnyville, the detachment investigated the theft of 171 motor vehicles in 2024.
Information released by Elk Point RCMP noted there were three thefts in the Elk Point area involving idling vehicles, last year.
“Approximately 50 per cent of those vehicles had the keys left inside,” according to information from Bonnyville RCMP.
“These incidents not only caused inconvenience for vehicle owners and occupied police resources, but also posed broader risks to community safety, as stolen vehicles are often used to commit additional crimes or sold to unsuspecting buyers,” reads the information released by Bonnyville RCMP.
Throughout the duration of Operation Cold Start, RCMP officers will be performing various types of enforcement to help keep vehicles and people safe. This enforcement includes checking unattended idling vehicles to ensure that keys are not left inside and that the vehicles are property secured.
Information from St. Paul RCMP states, “Police will be proactively seeking out vehicles that are left idling and unattended in an attempt to educate owners on the risks associated with doing this.”
RCMP also provided tips to help individuals safeguard their vehicles. This advice includes parking in a visible, well-lit area if a garage or driveway is unavailable and using anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, to deter thieves.
The public is advised to consider installing automatic car starters to safely warm their vehicles - and never leave keys unattended inside the vehicle.
RCMP also recommends that people always lock their vehicles, even when they are parked in a driveway or garage. Valuables such as wallets, purses, or spare keys should never be left visible in a vehicle.
By following these tips, says Cardinal, people can make themselves less likely to be a victim of vehicle theft.
