CHAT News File Photo

By Brendan Miller

Police warn of increased thefts as residents leave their vehicles idling in the winter

Jan 31, 2023 | 4:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Police in Medicine Hat are reminding citizens not to leave their vehicles running unattended as it warms up.

The warning comes from a province-wide initiative aimed at preventing auto thefts called Operation Cold Start. During the cooler winter months, police say they see an increase in auto vehicle thefts.

Police say you should be by your vehicle if you’re warming it up. Don’t leave it running if you visit a shopping centre and don’t leave your pets in your vehicle.

Police want the public to know that visible exhaust from your vehicle can make it an easy target for thieves.

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“Criminals are on the lookout for easy thefts and to walk up to a vehicle where they can see exhaust coming out, see the keys out of the ignition and they are off to the races,” said Medicine Hat Police Service Insp. Joe West.

“Of course, a stolen vehicle presents more public safety hazards both for police and the public at large if we have to try and stop that vehicle and often stolen vehicles are used to commit other types of crimes”

In Medicine Hat, thefts of trucks are the most prevalent among vehicles.