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By Nathaniel Leigh

RCMP

Grande Prairie police warn idling cars can be easily stolen

Nov 19, 2025 | 4:49 PM

Police in Grande Prairie are reminding derivers to be wary of leaving their vehicle idling while they warm up.

Grande Prairie RCMP and the Grande Prairie Police Service warn that vehicles left running with their keys inside are easy targets for thieves, even with the doors locked and windows up.

“We continue to see incidents where vehicles are left unlocked and running, and it only takes seconds for a thief to take advantage,” says S/Sgt Brent Lawson Operations NCO. “We’re reminding residents to shut off their vehicles, remove the keys, and lock the doors every time—whether you’re at home, at a business, or just stepping away briefly. A few extra seconds of prevention can help prevent a vehicle theft from occurring.”

RCMP are offering tips for drivers to protect their vehicle this winter:

• Consider installing a remote starter so your vehicle does not require keys for a warm-up cycle.
• If you have a garage, consider clearing debris from it and using it to park your vehicle.
• Never leave a vehicle unattended with the keys inside, even if the windows are up and the vehicle is locked.
• Remember that it takes a thief only minutes to gain access to a vehicle and drive away, and that time is reduced to seconds if the keys are inside and it is running.