By David Klassen
A car theft on Friday has prompted Winnipeg police to reiterate how important it is for vehicle owners not to leave their cars running unattended while warming up.
An unoccupied vehicle running in the 300 block of Sydney Avenue was stolen early Friday from behind a residence.
Police say a 17-year-old boy hopped in the car at around 5:55 a.m. and took off. Officers spotted the vehicle roughly five minutes later in the area of Redwood Avenue and Main Street and began a chase.
The suspect sped through a red light at the intersection and continued westbound. He eventually crashed near Redwood Avenue and Arlington Street when he struck a light standard and a tree, but kept on going.
He fled on foot, but was arrested in the 800 block of Redwood Avenue. He remains in custody.
Police say with cold winter weather, motorists should never leave their running vehicles unattended.
Other tips:
- Never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle, especially one that is running
- Don’t leave your spare keys and garage door opener inside your vehicle
- Never leave valuables on display inside your vehicle
- Install a remote starter
- Use a steering wheel lock
- Install an alarm system
- Use common sense
