An increase in stolen vehicles and thefts of property from vehicles has been observed by the Regina Police Service in the last several days.

From November 10 to 17, Regina police have seen 18 thefts of auto and 32 thefts from auto. 5o per cent of the thefts of auto were a result of keys being left inside the vehicle or in the ignition, while 45 per cent of thefts from auto involved the person entering through an unlocked door.

The spike has prompted RPS to remind people to lock their vehicles and stay vigilant as colder weather settles in the province.

“Getting into a cold car is not enjoyable – we understand. Letting your vehicle idle for a few minutes in your driveway or in a parking lot is tempting, however, it is not safe,” reads a statement from the Regina Police Service. “It is only recommended to leave an unoccupied vehicle running to warm up if a remote starter is used.”

RPS is offering the following tips to help reduce the recent rise in thefts:

• Do not leave your vehicle running with the keys in the ignition and watch from an inside window. This still leaves full opportunity for a suspect to enter and steal your vehicle before you can react.
• Do not leave your vehicle running with the keys in the ignition with the doors locked. Even if you have a spare set of keys inside with you, a determined suspect can still break the window to make entry.