Do not leave your vehicle idling unattended: EPS kicks off Operation Cold Start

Police in Alberta will be checking unattended idling vehicles to see if keys are in them or if they are properly secured as part of Operation Cold Start.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) sees an increase in thefts linked to vehicles left idling to warm up every winter, according to a news release sent on Tuesday.

EPS is reminding drivers to not leave their vehicles running and unattended as part of their annual winter crime-prevention initiative, Operation Cold Start.

“We understand people are busy and cold, and it feels harmless to leave a vehicle running while you go back into your home, or grab a coffee, or run into a store,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Kerr with the EPS Targeted Response to Auto-Theft Prevention (TRAP) team.

The initiative aims at reducing vehicle theft through the winter season.

“Unfortunately, that’s exactly when these thefts happen. They’re crimes of opportunity that take seconds, not minutes, and many of them are completely preventable,” added Staff Sgt. Kerr.

The EPS TRAP team focuses on combating vehicle theft and related crimes in Edmonton. The team has seen a slight decrease in the theft and recovery of stolen vehicles this past year, according to the release.

There were 4,233 vehicle thefts and 1,466 recovered stolen vehicles in 2025 compared to 4,814 vehicle thefts and 1,675 recovered stolen vehicles in 2024.

“Your vehicle can be one of the largest purchases you make, so protecting it is important,” said Staff Sgt. Kerr. “Stolen vehicles are often used in other crimes and can pose a safety risk to the public, not to mention the stress and inconvenience of losing your vehicle.”

EPS is sharing safety tips to help Edmontonians keep their vehicles safe:

• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended, even in your driveway
• Take your keys with you and always lock your vehicle
• Use a remote starter, if available
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible
• Ensure windows and doors are closed and locked

More information on Operation Cold Start can be found online.