The Grande Prairie Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a joint warning on February 25, 2026, following a significant rise in stolen vehicles throughout Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Local officers reported 28 vehicle thefts between January 1 and February 9, 2026. This represents a 47 per cent increase in thefts compared to the same time period in 2025.
A majority of these incidents happened because owners left their keys in the ignition, often while letting their cars warm up during the winter. Police are advising residents to keep their doors locked and avoid leaving vehicles running while unattended, even in private driveways.
The two agencies are working together as the city continues its transition to a local police force. The Grande Prairie Police Service is expected to take over full policing duties by October 2026.
To help protect their property, residents are encouraged to use steering wheel locks and stay alert for suspicious activity. Officials say that taking these simple steps can help reduce the risk to parked cars and assist with recovery efforts.
