OLDS — The Olds RCMP detachment, which includes Olds, Bowden and area is included in Operation Cold Start, the RCMP’s annual effort now underway to help residents reduce the theft of idling vehicles during winter.
That’s the word from Staff Sgt. Warren Wright, the commanding officer of Olds RCMP.
This year, Operation Cold Start began Monday, Jan. 8 and runs until Jan. 12.
When the weather gets really cold, many residents warm up their vehicles for driving by starting them, then staying inside to finish up tasks before venturing out to drive away.
Unfortunately, many thieves know this and watch for unattended vehicles they can steal.
Throughout the entire Olds detachment area, law enforcement officers are preforming a variety of tasks to help keep vehicles safe.
They’re checking on unattended, idling vehicles to see if the keys are in them, and whether or not they are properly secured.
“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," Cpl. Mike Fulton of Alberta RCMP’s Community Safety and Well-being Branch said in a news release.
Fulton said in 2021, 8.3 per cent of vehicles stolen in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction were left idling.
“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 said in the release.
“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."
Wright says in Olds, police generally don’t have a big problem with people leaving their vehicles unlocked, unattended and running.
“Yes it has happened before, but rarely (are) vehicles are stolen this way,” he wrote in an email.
Wright said that’s because “I think that that vast majority of residents utilize a command start-type device in cold weather and/or lock their doors when their vehicle is left unattended.”
RCMP offer the following 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; and
• If your vehicle does need to warm up, do not leave it unattended.
