Operation Cold Start

Don’t Let Winter Warm-Ups Turn Into Auto Theft

As temperatures drop, many of us fall into the same routine: start the car, head back inside, and let it warm up before hitting the road. It’s a small convenience—but one that can come with a big risk.

The Calgary Police Service has relaunched Operation Cold Start, a province-wide awareness campaign designed to reduce auto theft during the winter months. The message is simple: leaving your vehicle running and unattended makes it an easy target.

And the numbers back it up. In just over two months, Calgary police received more than 100 reports of vehicles stolen while left running.

A Crime of Opportunity

Auto theft is often not a sophisticated crime—it’s opportunistic. A running vehicle with no one inside can be gone in seconds. Whether it’s parked in a driveway, outside a coffee shop, or right in front of your home, an unattended vehicle creates the perfect moment for theft.

These incidents don’t just impact vehicle owners. Stolen vehicles are often used to commit additional crimes, contributing to broader community safety concerns and even increased insurance costs.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

The good news? These thefts are highly preventable. Operation Cold Start highlights a few simple habits that can make all the difference:

• Never leave your vehicle running unattended

• Always lock your doors—even at home

• Keep keys and spare fobs out of the vehicle

• Use a remote starter if available

• Consider visible deterrents like steering wheel locks

It’s also worth remembering that modern vehicles typically don’t require long warm-up times, making it even easier to avoid the risk altogether.

Think Beyond the Vehicle

When a car is stolen, it’s not just the vehicle that’s lost. Personal items left inside—wallets, devices, documents—can create additional stress and risk. Taking a moment to secure your vehicle helps protect more than just your ride.

Stay Alert This Winter

Operation Cold Start is a timely reminder that small habits can have a big impact. As winter settles in, staying with your vehicle—or ensuring it’s properly secured—can help prevent a moment of convenience from turning into a costly mistake.