SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
There were no thefts reported, however, numerous vehicles were found to be idling, unattended and unlocked in the Brooks and Bassano RCMP detachment areas during the provincial Operation Cold Start program.
Brooks officers spoke with 20 vehicle owners and handed out 86 information pamphlets to help educate residents about safeguarding their vehicles during the winter months.
In the Bassano detachment area including Bassano, Hussar, Rosemary and Gem, 25 unattended vehicles were found of which 10 were unlocked with keys in the ignition and valuables inside and 15 had been started by remote.
Brooks RCMP found 13 unlocked vehicles that were left idling with keys in the ignition and four that were locked.
The program took place from Jan. 20-24 between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. when RCMP checked idling vehicles as a way to educate motorists about the risk of thefts.
“This provided an opportunity for officers to engage with residents and educate them on best practices to prevent vehicle theft in winter,” stated Brooks RCMP Sgt. David Searle.
Those who need to warm up their vehicle are reminded to never leave keys, valuables, children or pets inside and to keep the vehicle locked.
“We understand the need to warm up your vehicle in this climate to safely get to work and school with the children in a vehicle that has clear windows and is warm,” said Bassano Sgt. Joe Schmidt.
“Unfortunately, many criminals use these opportunities to take advantage of the circumstance by stealing your vehicle or its contents.”
He said there have been many auto thefts in the year from similar circumstances.
“In the time it took for us to leave a pamphlet on your windshield for this campaign, your vehicle or its contents could have been stolen.”
During the campaign, the Alberta RCMP noted there were 504 unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition and 1,277 locked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition.
Officers interacted with 625 vehicle owners and provided 1,128 information pamphlets.
