By Gavin Miller

Medicine Hat Police Service embraces campaign aimed at reducing auto thefts

Feb 2, 2022 | 4:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- From now until Feb. 6, law enforcement agencies will take part in the Operation Cold Start campaign.

The crime prevention initiative began in December 2016 and aims to combat the high amount of auto thefts that occur during the winter.

As the temperature drops, some drivers start their car to give it a chance to warm up before leaving. This causes a serious rise in automobile thefts during winter months due to the ease of stealing an unattended vehicle with the keys in the ignition.

Operation Cold Start aims to educate drivers on the risks of leaving your vehicle running unattended and to develop habits that prevent the spike of auto theft in the future.

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Insp. Joe West of the Medicine Hat Police Service says about 60 per cent of vehicles stolen in the winter months were running with the keys inside.

He says that the theft of a vehicle reduces the risk for criminals and causes a risk for everyone else.

“Thieves aren’t usually just looking to steal a vehicle to use it for transportation to get from point A to point B. They’re using it to commit more crimes, obviously they don’t want to use their own vehicles if they have one.”

To address crimes, officers will patrol communities looking for vehicles left running and unattended.

Officers will also be on high alert for suspicious persons, vehicles and known auto-theft offenders.

by Gavin Miller

Medicine Hat Police Service embraces campaign aimed at reducing auto thefts

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