Cold weather snap coincides with spike in stolen vehicles

Saskatoon police are trying to drive the point home as the weather remains frigid: don’t leave keys unattended inside vehicles.

“If you are a vehicle thief, this is your favourite time of year because there are a lot of people leaving their cars running, unattended and unlocked,” said Alyson Edward, a spokesperson with Saskatoon police.

Edward said police have noticed a spike in stolen vehicles over the past several days, since the weather turned bitterly cold.

Since Dec. 22, 11 vehicles have been stolen in Saskatoon.

“It’s continues to be an issue year after year and we’re not really sure why that is.”

Edwards strongly urges drivers to avoid the temptation to leave a car unattended while it warms up.

“All it takes is a moment for someone to see you leave your vehicle unattended and running. They get in and drive away.”