With the temperature plunging this weekend, it's tempting to leave your car idling to warm it up.

Cst. Dan Martin with Airdrie RCMP understands that urge, but is reminding you that leaving your car running with the keys inside leaves you at risk for car theft.

"There's been a bit of a spike here in the last little while since the temperature's dropped. Obviously people want to warm their vehicles up prior to getting in them and driving them away, but we just wanted to remind the public that that might not be in their best interest."

Martin said it only takes a few seconds for someone to hop in your vehicle and drive away, and that can happen right in front of your eyes.

The RCMP has some advice for drivers in the cold weather.

"If you must leave it running, try and put on a club on the steering wheel or make use of a remote starter. Always keep your vehicle locked. If you're not inside your vehicle, it should always be locked."

Martin said you should also make sure you remove all valuables from your vehicle, report any suspicious activity you see in your neighbourhood to police immediately, and try to park in well lit areas.

Ultimately, Martin said residents of Airdrie need to be vigilant to help reduce crimes.

"We're going into the year 2018 here. Airdrie has grown. We definitely have more crime than several years ago and it's a hard fact that we have to come to realize and we have to be cautious of bad people that are out there trying to take advantage of us."

 

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