Olds RCMP are warning residents not to leave unattended children in vehicles.
This comes after police were called to a local grocery store Nov. 12 after a shopper noticed a three-year-old child crying in a vehicle which was parked with the engine running.
"Officers attended and located a three-year-old left alone in a vehicle that was both running and unlocked," Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald says.
"The officers found the child's mother in a nearby store where she explained that she did not want to wake him while she ran in to do some quick shopping.
"The officers gave a stern warning as to the potential serious consequences of her actions."
MacDonald warns residents not to leave their vehicles running with the keys left in them. During the week of Nov. 12 Olds RCMP officers responded to four vehicle thefts. In two of those cases, the keys were left inside.
Last year more than 100 vehicles were stolen in town. So far, 50 have been stolen this year.
"Thieves are opportunists and will often choose easy targets, such as those vehicles left running or with keys left inside," MacDonald says.
"Some may be under the influence of drugs and most are in a hurry to avoid apprehension. Often, they are not cognizant of what, or even who, may be in the vehicle. A preventable mistake can lead to significant regret."
MacDonald "strongly" urges residents to always lock their vehicles and never leave keys inside them.
"Auto theft is not just a city problem and people should always be mindful of the security of their property and -- even more importantly -- the safety of their loved ones," he says.
