Most Edmontonians have been wisely hibernating in the warmth of their homes during the recent arctic cold snap – other than some cold-hearted thieves looking to cash in, that is.
The frigid temperatures are forcing some motorists to leave their vehicles running with keys in the ignition, making them a prime target for thieves. Last-minute holiday shoppers in a rush are also becoming targets for Christmas Grinches.
“Our dispatchers’ telephone lines have been lighting up with reports of stolen vehicles that were left idling by their owners,” said Const. Curtis Rind, of the EPS Southwest Division. “People are often leaving $50,000 SUVs running in their driveways or even in parking lots with gifts in them, while they run in to the store for a few final purchases.”
“They’re shocked when they return to find their vehicle and gifts have been stolen, and they’re left standing outside in nasty, sub-zero weather.”
Since Nov. 1, 2016, EPS 911 dispatchers have received close to 60 reports of stolen vehicles that were left running, 35 of which have been reported in the first two weeks of December. In Southwest Division alone, officers have responded to 23 calls since Nov. 1 from citizens who left their vehicles running and were consequently stolen.
“We live in a northern city, which eventually leads to some unbearably cold temperatures at times throughout the winter months. We want to encourage people to shut off their vehicles – even if they’re only running inside a gas bar to pay for fuel. In the 60 seconds or less that it takes for someone to pay for their purchases inside, or to pick up a jug of milk, an auto thief has already disappeared from sight with your expensive vehicle.
“It’s just not worth it. Lock your vehicle doors and take the keys with you. Plug in your vehicle ahead of time in anticipation of your trip out to the store.”
Automatic vehicle starters may be a somewhat costly, but wise investment. Automatic vehicle starters are designed to shut off the engine if someone attempts to drive away with a vehicle without a key in its ignition.
“Our dispatchers’ telephone lines have been lighting up with reports of stolen vehicles that were left idling by their owners,” said Const. Curtis Rind, of the EPS Southwest Division. “People are often leaving $50,000 SUVs running in their driveways or even in parking lots with gifts in them, while they run in to the store for a few final purchases.”
“They’re shocked when they return to find their vehicle and gifts have been stolen, and they’re left standing outside in nasty, sub-zero weather.”
Since Nov. 1, 2016, EPS 911 dispatchers have received close to 60 reports of stolen vehicles that were left running, 35 of which have been reported in the first two weeks of December. In Southwest Division alone, officers have responded to 23 calls since Nov. 1 from citizens who left their vehicles running and were consequently stolen.
“We live in a northern city, which eventually leads to some unbearably cold temperatures at times throughout the winter months. We want to encourage people to shut off their vehicles – even if they’re only running inside a gas bar to pay for fuel. In the 60 seconds or less that it takes for someone to pay for their purchases inside, or to pick up a jug of milk, an auto thief has already disappeared from sight with your expensive vehicle.
“It’s just not worth it. Lock your vehicle doors and take the keys with you. Plug in your vehicle ahead of time in anticipation of your trip out to the store.”
Automatic vehicle starters may be a somewhat costly, but wise investment. Automatic vehicle starters are designed to shut off the engine if someone attempts to drive away with a vehicle without a key in its ignition.