Even though it may be tempting for Stettler and area residents to let their vehicles idle to warm up, especially in this cold weather, RCMP are strongly recommending against it.
Police across the province have seen a spike in vehicle thefts as owners leave their vehicles idling and unattended.
In Red Deer alone, eight vehicles have been stolen since Dec. 1; these vehicles had been left idling, unlocked and unattended.
In several of these incidents, the owners were actually so close-by they were able to watch the thieves drive away in their vehicle.
"Especially on cold weather mornings, thieves are cruising residential neighbourhoods and the parking lots of high-traffic businesses, looking for vehicles that have been left running," Red Deer RCMP Cpl. Karyn Kay said. "If you leave your vehicle unlocked and running, your chances of victimization are high."
Coronation RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Darcy McGunigal agreed.
"My recommendation is spring, summer, fall and winter, people need to take reasonable steps to protect their property," he said.
He noted that these types of thefts are often thefts of opportunity, and said that if people intend to warm their vehicles before driving, there are steps they can take to avoid being a victim.
"Ideally, you would want a remote starter," McGunigal said. "Your vehicle is immobile and isn't going anywhere."
If that's not an option, having a second set of keys so the doors can be locked while the vehicle warms also lowers thefts of opportunity. Finally, drivers always have the option of just driving in the vehicle while bundled up.