Nearly half of stolen vehicles in Lethbridge were left running and/or had keys inside

“This is the kind of crime of opportunity where individuals see the availability of a car running and warm and unlocked, where, normally, if a vehicle potentially was locked and obviously not left with the engine running, that crime may not have occurred.”

Anecdotally, he tells LNN that vehicle thefts are more common in the winter months as drivers try to give their vehicles ample time to heat up.

Walper says warming your vehicle up when it is cold outside is a good practice, but drivers have to be careful.

“The best suggestion we can give is to make sure you stay with your vehicle. If it needs to be warmed up, and sometimes they do, it’s better to stay in your vehicle and dress warm and wait for the vehicle to warm up to a point where you’re able to drive safely than to leave the vehicle running and unattended for a period of time that may allow an opportunity for criminals to take your vehicle.”

Keys, phones, or otherwise, police suggest taking valuables out of your vehicle when you leave, but if you do keep them inside, place them out of plain sight.

Remote starters are the best when it comes to starting your vehicle in the winter as the inspector says most are packed with safety features aimed at preventing theft.

He assures that he is not trying to blame the victims of theft, but says all property owners have a responsibility to take steps to keep their items from being stolen or damaged.

by David Opinko

Nearly half of stolen vehicles in Lethbridge were left running and/or had keys inside

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