Did you know that in November and December 2017, 210 vehicles that had been left running were stolen? The Calgary Police Service has started an initiative—Operation Cold Start— to educate citizens about the risks of leaving their vehicles unattended while warming them up. CPS Officers are on the lookout for vehicles that are left running and unattended. When such vehicles are found, officers take the opportunity to educate citizens about how quickly a vehicle can be stolen and why stolen vehicles pose a risk to the public. Offenders who take these vehicles have little regard for public safety and put the public and officers at serious risk, as stolen vehicles are often used in committing other crimes, primarily robberies, break and enters, and drug-related offenses.
Citizens who are planning to warm up their vehicle on a cold day are reminded to:
- Never leave a vehicle with a keyed ignition running and unattended.
- Never leave vehicles with keyless ignitions or push-button starts running and unattended.
- Never leave children or pets in a running or unattended vehicle.
- Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in your vehicle. Always lock the man-door leading from a garage into a residence.
- Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in a vehicle under any circumstances.
- Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked.
- Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
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