The Manitoba Public Insurance issued a news release in mid-December that the number one cause of auto thefts in Manitoba is the use of vehicle keys.

3100 cars had been stolen last year and 90 per cent of those thefts involved the use of keys.

According to a Winnipeg Police Service news release, they continue to receive reports of vehicles that are stolen while being left unattended and running. 

Vehicles are also being taken when the keys are being left inside.

Half of all vehicle thefts reported had keys left in the ignition or the keys were in a passenger side compartment. That's according to MPI's data.

In other cases, keys were taken out of homes or purses and coats left in public places.

In the release, The Winnipeg Police Service wants to remind the public of several things you can do to keep your vehicle safe:

  • Don't leave your spare keys inside your vehicle
  • Install a remote starter
  • Use a steering wheel lock
  • Install an alarm system
  • Never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle, especially one that is running
  • Never leave valuables on display inside your vehicle