With the bitter cold temperatures returning this week, many drivers are looking to warm up their vehicles before hopping in.
Red Deer RCMP are reminding residents to never leave their keys in their vehicle, unattended.
During Operation Cold Start, which took place Jan. 20 to 24, officers found 12 unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition. Police also discovered 61 locked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition.
During the week-long campaign, officers engaged with residents to educate them on best practices to prevent vehicle theft in winter.
In total, officers engaged with 18 vehicle owners and handed out 52 information pamphlets.
Police are providing some tips to help prevent warm-up thefts:
- use a remote starter or stay with your vehicle as it warms up
- never leave your keys inside your vehicle
- don't leave a running vehicle unattended
- never leave children or pets inside a vehicle
- use a steering wheel lock
- keep your vehicle locked at all times
- remove garage door openers from your vehicle
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