Police say beware of warm-up thefts

Winter is back, and so is that ordeal of trying to get your car going early on freezing mornings.

Every year, York Regional Police investigate vehicle warm-up thefts, and now that colder weather is upon us, residents are reminded that this is a crime of opportunity that can be avoided.

Warm-up thefts occur when a vehicle is left unoccupied and running in an attempt to warm it up. Criminals looking for a crime of opportunity take advantage of the moment and simply drive off in the car.

This type of crime continues to be an issue every winter season, police added.

Vehicles stolen have ranged from high-end to low-end in value and it does not appear that a specific make or model has regularly been targeted.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) estimated 65 serious injuries and 40 deaths per year across Canada are related to stolen vehicles. Vehicle theft is approaching $1.2 billion in losses nationally every year with only a 70 per cent recovery rate for vehicles in Ontario. IBC suggests that most vehicles are being exported for profit and it is a lucrative business that sees a car stolen on average, every three minutes in Canada. That is close to 500 per day.

The York Regional Police Auto Theft Unit reminds all drivers that if they must warm up a car, don't leave it unattended unless their vehicle is equipped with a keyless remote starter. Either remain in your car or lock it and keep a spare key with you. IBC reminds car owners that if the keys are left in the ignition, immobilizers will not work.

Do not leave vehicles running and unattended at gas stations, convenience stores, bank machines or anywhere else, even if it's just for a few minutes. Thieves are waiting for that very mistake. At home, keep keys out of sight, not near the door or hanging on a hook near the door. This is the perfect opportunity for a thief.