Car thieves are being warned that any vehicle parked near the Stampede grounds or downtown core over the next 10 days could be bait.

The Calgary Police are sending out bait cars to target those looking to steal or break into vehicles, said Staff Sgt. Don Coleman yesterday during a press conference.

“The Calgary Police Service’s bait car program will focus on the downtown core and parking lots in and around Stampede Park,” he said.

While unable to release specific details on the number of bait cars, Colman said “bait cars will be everywhere that you would find a car parked.”

These potential traps could deter many thieves from targeting Stampede parking, said Caralyn Macdonald of the Downtown Association.

“It’s just a great time for the police service to let people know that there are bait cars out there,” she said. “I think it will definitely deter people.”

Coleman said that the cars will be monitored by video surveillance and activated remotely.

“Traditionally we’ve seen both thefts from auto and auto thefts nearly double around Stampede time,” he said.