It won’t happen to me! It was one of those cold, dreary Calgary winter mornings. John braved the biting winds and went out to start his truck. His F150 truck didn’t have a remote starter, but that was okay as he would simply stay warm in the house while his truck was warming up outside. After a few minutes, John returned to scrape the ice off the windshield. Satisfied his mode of transportation was warm enough, he quickly returned to the house to grab his briefcase for work. His vehicle wasn’t out of his sight for more than a minute, but that’s all it took – 60 seconds and it was gone! John sprinted back to his driveway, heart pounding. His eyes darted frantically across the empty space where his Ford truck had been just moments ago. Disbelief washed over him as reality sank in – his vehicle had been stolen! He stood there, briefcase clutched tightly in his hand, trying to process what had happened. As John reported the theft to police, he couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that this was only the beginning of a very long and complicated day.
This story is all common. Most people think vehicle theft could never happen to them, but it does. According to Calgary Police between October 26, 2023, and January 4, 2024, they received 114 reports of vehicles that were stolen while left running. Police are warning with temperatures starting to drop, they are seeing a rise in early morning vehicle thefts from people warming up their vehicles. These vehicles are easy targets for offenders as they are running and unattended.
Tips for Vehicle Owners
• Use remote starters when possible and keep the vehicle locked.
• Stay with the vehicle while it warms up. Never leave a running vehicle, where the keys are in the ignition, unattended.
• Ensure doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.
• Be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
In addition, consider theft prevention strategies such as the installation of GPS tracking devices, the use of the steering wheel locks and kill switches or upgrading to an advanced alarm system.
Staying Vigilant
While your vehicle is warming up, always keep an eye out for suspicious activity such as:
• Strangers loitering or walking aimlessly and appearing out of place.
• Unknown persons checking vehicles.
• Unfamiliar parked vehicles with multiple occupants or vehicles driving up and down the street multiple times.
Remember if you see suspicious activity, it’s important to report it to police by calling 403-266-1234. However, should you witness a crime in progress such as a vehicle being stolen, immediately call 9-1-1. Provide as much descriptive information as you can, and always remember approaching a suspect or chasing a stolen vehicle is never safe.
A Thought About Remote Starters
While remote starters offer convenience and can be a good option for warming up your car in the winter months, there may be limitations in their compatibility with your specific vehicle. Many modern cars have built-in safety features that prevent them from being driven without the key fob present, even if started remotely. However, older models may lack this safeguard. Ensure your remote starter does not allow someone to drive away without the key.
John’s Epilogue
Thankfully, John’s truck was quickly recovered by the police. He no longer leaves his F150 running unattended or unlocked. John has peace of mind knowing that the newly installed antitheft device in his truck, is a powerful deterrent to potential thieves. Life is good once again.
Final Thought
Keep John’s story in mind. By being proactive, we can significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft during the winter months and throughout the year. Remember, most vehicle thieves are opportunists, so making your vehicle a less attractive target is key to prevention. It’s really all about Crime Prevention and Safety.
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