With the arrival of cold weather across the province, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across Alberta to launch Operation Cold Start, a crime prevention initiative aimed at addressing the high number of warm-up auto thefts that occur during the winter months.

Warm-up thefts are crimes of opportunity, where car thieves target vehicles that are left running and unattended.

Stolen vehicles are often used by criminals to commit other crimes in the city, victimizing other residents. We are asking for the public’s help to keep our city safe and reduce the number of preventable thefts.

“A cold car is better than a stolen car, so as the temperatures drop, if you need to warm up your car and you don’t have a remote starter, make sure you bundle up and stay with your vehicle until you’re ready to drive away,” says MHPS Traffic Sgt. Stacey Fishley

Drivers who are planning to warm up their vehicle are reminded to:

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended if the keys are inside the vehicle, or if the vehicle has been started with a keyless ignition or push-button start.
• Use a remote starter whenever possible and keep your vehicle locked.
• If you are warming up your vehicle with the keys in the ignition or with a push-button start, stay with your vehicle.
• Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
• Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle.
• Never leave children or pets in a running vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, including identity documents and bank cards, in your vehicle.
• Report suspicious activity to police immediately by calling (insert appropriate number)
• If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471