Ponoka RCMP members spoke with over a dozen vehicle owners during Operation Cold Start in February. The operation was an awareness campaign to help prevent theft.
The project, put on by the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police with several jurisdictions participating, was held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9. During the campaign, officers went out in the early hours, checking for vehicles that were left idling, either locked or unlocked.
In Ponoka, members located three vehicles that were warming up with the keys inside, and unlocked — an easy target for a thief. There were also two vehicles that were left running with the keys in the ignition, but with the doors locked.
Members spoke to drivers they saw when they were out and about, and left information pamphlets on vehicles when the registered owner could not be located.
The pamphlets included tips for preventing warm-up thefts, including advising drivers to stay with their vehicles when they’re warming up, using a steering wheel lock, removing garage door openers from vehicles, and keeping your vehicle locked at all times.
Theft of motor vehicles was up by 14 per cent in 2021 compared to the year before, according to stats provided by the Ponoka RCMP. In 202o, there were 56 vehicle thefts, and in 2021 there were 64.
Thefts from a motor vehicle remained in the normal range, with 21 incidents reported. (Down from 33 in 2020.)
READ MORE: Ponoka RCMP taking part in ‘Operation Cold Start’ to help prevent vehicle theft
RCMP town hall
The Ponoka RCMP are holding a virtual town hall meeting on March 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Interested citizens are invited to learn more about the Police Advisory Committee, to meet the School Resource Officer for Ponoka, learn about crime reduction initiatives in downtown Ponoka, and hear from 2021 local crime statistics.
There will also be an opportunity to participate in a question and answer period after each presentation.
To participate, register before noon on March 7 by phoning 403-783-4431.