Vehicle thieves may strike if cars left unattended

Area law enforcement agencies typically begin to see an increase in morning vehicle thefts when cold weather occurs because many area residents leave their vehicles unattended while they warm up.

Residents who start their vehicles, lock them and leave them unattended while they warm up and windows defrost are creating a false sense of security because a vehicle thief only needs a few seconds to break into that vehicle and take off with it.

The best way to approach cold morning commutes is to start the vehicle and remain with it while using a scraper to remove frost from windows. He points out that newer vehicles are designed to avoid long warm up periods and can be operated within a few minutes of starting them. Vehicles are also commonly stolen while left running and unattended at gas stations, ATM’s and at convenience stores.


Other tips recommended by the Reno Police Department to generally help prevent the theft of vehicles include:

· Park in well lighted areas and always lock your car when it is unattended.

· Never leave your keys in the ignition or elsewhere in the vehicle.

· If you have a garage, use it rather than parking outside where your vehicle is more vulnerable.

· Don’t leave packages, purses, briefcases, automatic garage door openers, personal papers and mail or other items in plain view in your vehicle which can invite a break-in and lead to vehicle theft, home burglary and identification theft.

· Never hide a second set of keys in your vehicle. Extra keys can easily be found, especially by experienced thieves who know the hiding places in vehicles.

· Never leave children unattended in a running vehicle, and never leave keys in the ignition with unattended children.