Operation Cold Start sees many vehicles left unattended idling

Mutiple local RCMP detachments participated in Operation Cold Start, an initiative to remind residents that leaving idling vehicles unlocked and unattended is a major cause of thefts.

During the span of Jan. 20-24, Cold Lake and Bonnyville RCMP detachments released info about vehicles they saw left idling and their engagement with motorists.

Over the course of the campaign, Cold Lake RCMP found:

• 46 unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition.
• 83 locked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition.

In total, officers engaged with 115 vehicle owners and handed out 118 information pamphlets, left on vehicle windshields, to help educate residents about safeguarding their vehicles during the winter months.

During the five day operation, Bonnyville RCMP checked over 155 vehicles, handed out 95 pamphlets and interacted with 38 owners.

Last year, Bonnyville Detachment investigated the theft of 171 motor vehicles. To help, they’ve been giving and they are also giving away steering wheel locks to those that don’t have command start.

“There are a handful left which will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone driving a vehicle that would benefit from the Club. Just come on down to the Detachment and ask for one.”