Feb 25 2026
Type(s)
News Release
Between January 1, 2026 and February 9, 2026, there were 28 reported thefts of motor vehicles in the Grande Prairie area, which is a 47 per cent increase from the same period in 2025. A majority of those were the result of keys being left in the ignition.
Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service would like to remind the public of the following safety tips:
• If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, ensure that you’re parked in a visible, well-lit area.
• Visible anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks, can help mitigate vehicle thefts and break-ins.
• Know your vehicle’s security settings. If investing in an automatic car starter to warm your vehicle, be aware of whether your vehicle can be driven without keys present. Some vehicles with push starts can be driven without keys.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended if the keys are in it.
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors, even when parked in a driveway or garage.
• Leaving your vehicle idle and unoccupied puts all your cargo at risk, including wallets, keys, garage door openers, documents with personal information, loose change, purses, shopping items or even children and pets.
• Most modern engines do not require a ‘warm-up’ period. If your vehicle does need to warm up, do not leave it unattended.
Anyone with information related to property crime is encouraged to contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).
