Wood Buffalo RCMP is looking for suspects after a vehicle was stolen in Thickwood.

Police say a grey 2006 Chevy Cobalt was taken near the 100 block of Signal Road on Sunday around 11:30 p.m. The vehicle was left running with the keys in the ignition in front of a restaurant. Police say thieves broke a window in the car to gain access.

A short time later, at 12:30 a.m. on Mar. 25, 2024, RCMP received additional calls about a vehicle that matched the description of the stolen Cobalt near the intersection of Gladue Bay and Timberline Drive.

Several witnesses reported hearing a female screaming, followed by the vehicle being parked near a residence on Timberline Drive. When the Mounties arrived, the stolen vehicle had been abandoned. RCMP Police Dog Services searched the area for the suspect or suspects, but none were located.

Police continue to investigate the theft with assistance from Wood Buffalo RCMP Forensic Identification Services. Wood Buffalo RCMP would like to ask any residents of Timberline Drive with surveillance footage of the vehicle or suspects to contact the Detachment.

Police have advice for residents on how steps they can take to deter criminals:

• If you can’t park in a garage or driveway, ensure that you’re parking in a visible well-lit area.
• Visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks can help mitigate vehicle thefts and break-ins.
• If possible, look into automatic car starters as an option to warm your vehicle.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended if the keys are in it.
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors, even if you’re parked in a driveway or garage.
• Never leave valuable items like wallets, keys, purses, or even change visible in an unoccupied vehicle.
• Remove garage door openers from your vehicle.
• Push button-equipped vehicles can still be driven without the key present. If your vehicle does need to warm up, do not leave it unattended.

Wood Buffalo RCMP is also encouraging residents to sign up for a new program that helps aid in crime prevention. CAPTURE (Community Assisted Policing Through the Use of Recorded Evidence) is a voluntary program being used by Wood Buffalo RCMP.

Residents and businesses with surveillance can register the location of their cameras with the police, allowing them to canvas for video footage more easily should a crime take place. Anyone interested in signing up for the program can visit the Rural Alberta Emergency Crime Capture website.