Article content

Too many vehicles left unlocked and running are contributing to mass amounts of vehicle crime and theft in the city, according to Calgary police.

Staff Sgt. Darwin Pearce of the CPS Strategic Intelligence Group said with 23 vehicles stolen this week alone, Calgarians need to be more careful about leaving cars unattended and running — no matter how cold it is outside.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Police warn public: Don't leave your vehicles unlocked and running 'they will be stolen' Back to video

“Unfortunately, we as a community are making it too easy for these offenders,” Pearce said. “This week it’s been cold, but at the end of the day it’s not worth it. We can’t leave vehicles running because they will be stolen.”

Calgary police recently wrapped up Operation Cold Start, a two-week investigation on the dangers of leaving running vehicles unattended. In just a one-week span between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., 885 vehicles were found unlocked and running with the keys inside.

Pearce said the operation led to seven arrests and more than 20 criminal charges, which include identity theft, possession of stolen property and theft of a vehicle.