On December 20, a GP HEAT (Help End Auto Theft) educational blitz to prevent autorelated theft takes place in the Prairie Mall.

GP HEAT is a collaboration between The City’s Crime Prevention, Enforcement Services and the RCMP. The program educates the public to better protect themselves from auto-related theft such as theft of valuables from vehicles and theft of vehicles.

From 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., informational brochures will be distributed to residents at the Prairie Mall.

To prevent auto-related theft, Grande Prairie citizens are reminded to:

  • Lock all doors and close all windows.
  • Remove keys from the vehicle when leaving the vehicle vacant.
  • Remove valuables from vehicles or move from plain sight (phones, tablets, laptops, GPS, gifts, currency, wallets, purses, etc.)
  • Park in well-lit, highly visible areas.
  • Use a garage if it is available to you and keep the garage door opener with you
  • Report suspicious behaviour to police.

Remember, a thief can steal a car in seconds. An unlocked car or an open window is an easy target. Protecting your vehicle and property is as easy as locking and securing it. More information can be found at cityofgp.com/GPHEAT 

Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie.