Grande Prairie RCMP: Thieves target idling unattended vehicles

Grande Prairie RCMP are reminding area drivers to implement some sound practices to avoid vehicle theft.

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“We continue to see incidents where vehicles are left unlocked and running, and it only takes seconds for a thief to take advantage. We’re reminding residents to shut off their vehicles, remove the keys, and lock the doors every time—whether you’re at home, at a business, or just stepping away briefly. A few extra seconds of prevention can help prevent a vehicle theft from occurring,” said Staff Sergeant Brent Lawson.

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A common practice throughout the winter is starting the car while having a coffee before leaving for the day. It’s also a situation thieves are actively attempting to identify.

“It may be tempting to run the vehicle for a period to warm it up, but the presence of the vehicle’s keys makes it an easy target for theft.

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Lane’s Insurance identifies Alberta as having the highest number of vehicle thefts per capita.

The Équité Association released its 2024 Auto Theft Trend Report

While there’s a downward trend from 2024 to 2023 of 12.7 per cent, Alberta is still a marketplace for vehicle theft. Conspicuously, 42 per cent of the private passenger vehicles stolen in 2024 were trucks. The Équité report also highlighted another interesting trend: theives are stealing all years of trucks.

• 30% of vehicles stolen were made in 2003-2009
• 27% of vehicles stolen were made in 2010-2016
• 28% of vehicles stolen were made in 2017 or newer

As fewer vehicles are being recovered, Équité identifies Alberta as a “feeder province” where stolen vehicles are registered and “re-VINed”.

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Winters in Alberta, with people often leaving vehicles running for extended periods of time and unattended, make it easier for thieves, say RCMP.

RCMP Tips to prevent theft:

• Consider installing a remote starter so your vehicle does not require keys for a warm-up cycle.
• If you have a garage, consider clearing debris from it and using it to park your vehicle.
• Never leave a vehicle unattended with the keys inside, even if the windows are up and the vehicle is locked.
• Remember that it takes a thief only minutes to gain access to a vehicle and drive away, and that time is reduced to seconds if the keys are inside and it is running.

For more information about securing your property, follow the Alberta RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

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