GP RCMP and GPPS responding to increased car-theft calls in 2026

Feb 25, 2026 | 4:37 PM

Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police service are offering tips for vehicle owners to prevent auto thefts.

28 motor vehicle thefts were reported between Jan. 1, 2026, and Feb 9, 2026, a 47 per cent increase from the same period in 2025.

Police say most of those thefts were the result of keys being left in the ignition.

Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service would like to remind the public of the following safety tips:

If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, ensure that you’re parked in a visible, well-lit area.
Visible anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks, can help mitigate vehicle thefts and break-ins.
Know your vehicle’s security settings. If investing in an automatic car starter to warm your vehicle, be aware of whether your vehicle can be driven without keys present. Some vehicles with push starts can be driven without keys.
Never leave your vehicle unattended if the keys are in it.
Always lock your vehicle’s doors, even when parked in a driveway or garage.
Leaving your vehicle idle and unoccupied puts all your cargo at risk, including wallets, keys, garage door openers, documents with personal information, loose change, purses, shopping items or even children and pets.
Most modern engines do not require a ‘warm-up’ period. If your vehicle does need to warm up, do not leave it unattended.

by Nathaniel Leigh