It’s going to get bitterly cold this weekend so you might be tempted to warm up your car while you are inside your residence.

Unfortunately, doing so leaves you at risk for car thieves. Every winter cars are stolen that were left running unattended with the keys inside. The most common places for this to occur are driveways and parking lots at apartment complexes, convenience stores and daycares.

Unattended, running cars are crimes of opportunity for car thieves. Don’t give them the opportunity! If you must warm up your car before driving, stay inside the car while doing so.

Here are some other tips to help prevent your car from being stolen: 1) do not leave a spare key in your car; 2) always close and lock all windows and doors; 3) park in well-lit areas; and 4) avoid leaving valuables inside your car. 

We would also like to remind residents to call 911 to report any suspicious activity. We rely on the public to serve as additional sets of eyes and ears. Many criminals have been caught due to the quick thinking of residents who have called 911 to report something suspicious.