Bonnyville – Bonnyville RCMP are asking motorists to avoid leaving idling vehicles unattended while the keys are inside it. During colder months, it may be tempting to run the vehicle for a period to warm it up, but the presence of the vehicle’s keys makes it an easy target for theft.
Year-to-date we have 128 reported stolen vehicles, 28 flight from police and 56 fail to remain at the accident scene.
“We’re asking residents and visitors in the Bonnyville area to help us reduce opportunities for vehicle theft by cleaning out their vehicles, parking them in a garage when possible, or installing a remote starter. I’ve tasked our members to speak with drivers whose vehicles they observe left running and unattended while on patrol, to raise awareness about auto theft — which remains an ongoing issue in the Bonnyville area. We will also be following up with business owners who manage fleet vehicles, encouraging them to speak with employees who leave vehicles idling and unoccupied, in order to help prevent thefts.”
RCMP offer the following tips for keeping your vehicle secured this winter:
• Consider installing a remote starter so your vehicle does not require keys for a warm-up cycle.
• If you have a garage, consider clearing debris from it and using it to park your vehicle.
• Never leave a vehicle unattended with the keys inside, even if the windows are up and the vehicle is locked.
• Remember that it takes a thief only minutes to gain access to a vehicle and drive away, and that time is reduced to seconds if the keys are inside and it is running.
• Did you know that plugging in your block heater can help your vehicle warm up faster? Never leave a vehicle unattended with the keys inside it because it increases the risk of theft.
• Don’t have a garage? Consider plugging in your vehicle’s block heater or installing a remote starter. Never leave your idling vehicle unattended with the keys in it. #theftprevention
For more information about securing your property, follow the Alberta RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
S/Sgt Lloyd PINSENT
Detachment Commander
Bonnyville RCMP