With the cold weather settling in, the Grande Prairie RCMP have seen an increase of vehicle thefts of unoccupied idling vehicles. Over the month of December, the Grande Prairie RCMP have received fourteen reports of motor vehicle thefts. Of those, eleven were vehicles left running with the keys in the ignition, while the other three had keys left in the vehicle. 

The Grande Prairie RCMP want to remind the public that vehicles that are left running and unlocked outside of homes, stores, post offices, or even gas stations make for an easy target for criminals and are crimes of opportunity that are often preventable. It only takes a matter of seconds for someone to get into your vehicle and drive away.

The Grande Prairie RCMP are providing the following tips to deter vehicle theft:

·       Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended

·       If you must leave your vehicle running, consider using a steering wheel lock, install a remote starter, or bundle up and wait with your vehicle while it warms up

·       Always lock your vehicle

·       Remove all valuables, spare keys, and garage door openers from your vehicle

·       Park your vehicle in well lit areas

·       Never leave children or pets in an idling vehicle unattended

If you have been a victim of vehicle theft or would like to report suspicious activity, please call the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 or call your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.