The Lethbridge Police Service has finished its participation in Operation Cold Start. (File photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

LPS concludes initiative aimed at preventing vehicle warm-up thefts

Jan 12, 2024 | 5:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has finished its Operation Cold Start campaign.

The week-long initiative was a province-wide awareness campaign aimed at preventing the theft of and from idling, unattended vehicles. It was organized by the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

As part of the campaign, officers were on the street patrolling different areas of their municipality, looking for vehicles that were left idling and unattended. Police say “warm-up thefts” are crimes of opportunity, and common during cold snaps, when motorists tend to heat up their vehicles before hitting the road.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Police highlighting dangers of leaving idling vehicles unattended

During the campaign, members of the LPS located 138 vehicles that were left idling and unattended.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

With a cold snap currently hitting Lethbridge and all of Alberta, police have issued the following tips for drivers in an effort to avoid the theft of items in their vehicle, as well as the vehicle itself.

Tips include:

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended if the keys are inside

• Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked

• If you are heating your vehicle with the keys in the ignition or with a push button start, stay with the vehicle

• Use a steering wheel lock as a deterrent

• Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle

• Never leave children or pets inside a running vehicle

• Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in your vehicle

• Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to police immediately

• If you observe a crime in progress, call 911

This year’s Operation Cold Start saw a significant increase of spotted vehicles from the 2022 campaign, where 50 vehicles were found idling and unattended.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Police highlighting dangers of leaving idling vehicles unattended

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.