Brooks RCMP engage with motorists throughout Operation Cold Start campaign

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 1, 2025.

Mounties in Brooks say they discovered more than a dozen unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition while taking part in a province-wide auto theft prevention campaign.

Alberta RCMP partnered with law enforcement agencies across the province to conduct its annual Operation Cold Start campaign from Jan. 20-24, designed to add awareness and reduce auto thefts in the winter.

Throughout the five-day campaign, RCMP officers checked unattended, idling vehicles in the community to see if keys were left inside and whether those vehicles were properly secured.

In Brooks, RCMP say they found 13 unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition, and four locked vehicles idling with keys in the ignition. In total police say they handed out more than 80 information pamphlets and engaged with 20 vehicle owners about safeguarding their vehicles and property when it’s cold.

“The offenders stealing these vehicles have little regard for the safety of Albertans,” says Sgt. David Searle in a press release. “They engage in high-risk and dangerous driving behaviour and use stolen vehicles to commit other crimes and victimize our community.”

Brooks RCMP suggest to stay with your vehicle as it warms up, or use a remote starter and keep doors locked at all times while unoccupied.

Police also say it’s important not to leave keys, valuables and children and pets inside an unattended vehicle, and also suggest removing a garage door opener from your vehicle when parked outside.

“By following simple tips, such as using a remote starter, remaining in the vehicle as it warms up and remembering that vehicles with push starts can be driven without a key present, theft of vehicles can be reduced,” says Cpl. Mike Black, RCMP auto theft unit.

Across the province police say they discovered more than 500 unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition, and more than 1,270 locked vehicles idling with keys in the ignition.

Throughout the province officers engaged with more than 600 vehicle owners, providing more than 1,100 information pamphlets.