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Red Deer RCMP remind drivers not to leave idling vehicles unoccupied

As the cold weather arrives in Central Alberta, Red Deer RCMP is reminding drivers to keep a close eye on their vehicle if they chose to leave it unoccupied.
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As the cold weather arrives in Central Alberta, Red Deer RCMP is reminding drivers to keep a close eye on their vehicle if they chose to leave it unoccupied.

In a press release, police say that about 33 per cent of vehicle thefts occur while a vehicle is idling or unoccupied.

“Vehicles left running and unattended present a crime of opportunity for criminals. It takes mere seconds for a thief to drive away in a vehicle that has been left unlocked and running,” the release states.

RCMP have provided several safety tips for drivers this winter:

-Never leave keys in an unlocked, unoccupied vehicle.

-Avoid idling an unoccupied 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.

-Never leave valuables inside your vehicle where passerby can see them.

-If you leave your vehicle registration and insurance in your vehicle, hide it in a location that a thief would be unlikely to find.

-Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn’t have one. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles if they can be recovered quickly.



Byron Hackett

About the Author: Byron Hackett

Byron has been the sports reporter at the advocate since December of 2016. He likes to spend his time in cold hockey arenas accompanied by luke warm, watered down coffee.
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