Red Deer RCMP said Wednesday six idling vehicles in the city were stolen in the last 48 hours.
With the return of cold temperatures, Red Deer RCMP are asking drivers to help reduce vehicle thefts by never leaving cars running unoccupied.
In the past 48 hours, six stolen vehicles were reported to the Red Deer RCMP where the keys were left inside as the vehicle idled.
Vehicle thefts of this kind are crimes of opportunity and are preventable, say police.
Data shows that stolen vehicles are often used to carry out additional crimes in the community.
Whether parking outside a home or in a commercial area, drivers should use caution as it only takes a few seconds for someone to get into an unlocked vehicle and drive away, say Red Deer RCMP.
According to police data, about 33 per cent of all vehicle thefts occur while a vehicle is idling and unoccupied.
RCMP have the following safety tips: Never leave keys in an unlocked, unoccupied vehicle; avoid idling an parked vehicle; use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves; never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle; never leave children or pets in an idling vehicle; and never leave a wallet or purse inside an idling vehicle.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Red Deer RCMP by calling the non-emergency complaint line at 403-343-5575. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.P3Tips.com.
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