The Grande Prairie RCMP is reminding people not to leave their vehicles running and unattended this winter — because it can take only a few seconds for a thief to drive off.
Grande Prairie RCMP Staff Sgt. Brent Lawson said that as overnight temperatures regularly dip below zero, many residents start their vehicle and leave the keys in the ignition, or allow it to idle while running errands, without thinking they could be targeted.
“We continue to see incidents where vehicles are left unlocked and running, and it only takes seconds for a thief to take advantage,” Lawson said.
He urged residents to shut off their vehicles, remove the keys and lock the doors every time — whether they’re at home, at a business or just stepping away briefly.
“A few extra seconds of prevention can help prevent a vehicle theft from occurring,” Lawson added.
For added security, he suggested installing a remote starter so your vehicle doesn’t need the keys for a warm-up cycle — or bundling up and staying inside the vehicle while it warms up if you need to stay nearby.
