With a deep freeze forecasted to slam the city this weekend, residents are being warned to resist the urge to quickly warm up their cars unattended, or they might just get cold feet when they find their vehicle gone. As temps plummet, the convenience of stepping into a toasty car is undeniably alluring, but it's a siren call that could leave you standing in a snowdrift with nothing but your breath for warmth.
City authorities have historically seen a spike in auto thefts during the winter months, specifically when cars are left running with keys in the ignition and not a soul in sight. The Eden Prairie Police Department in Minnesota echoed a nationwide concern at a time when criminals are looking to drive away with an easy opportunity. As reported by Eden Prairie officials, "Every winter cars are stolen that were left running unattended with the keys inside."
To combat this cold-weather crime wave, local law enforcement is dishing out some veteran advice: If you absolutely must to quickly warm up your vehicle before hitting the road, do it while you're buckled in—not from the comfort of your living room. Convenience stores, daycares, and especially the driveways of apartment complexes, have been labeled as hotspots for these chilly-morning heists.
To combat the rise in thefts, police are suggesting some frosty but wise precautions. "Do not leave a spare key in your car," and "Always close and lock all windows and doors," are just a couple of the tips offered by authorities. Parking in well-lit areas and being mindful not to leave valuables on display are additional layers of security savvy car owners should adopt. The big takeaway is simple—don't give thieves a chance to turn your car into their getaway sled.
The police also encourage residents to act as their partners in this frostbitten fight against crime. New Yorkers are urged to call 911 if they spot anything as suspicious as footprints in the snow leading up to a running car with no driver in sight. According to the Eden Prairie Police, "Many criminals have been caught due to the quick thinking of residents who have called 911 to report something suspicious." So as the thermometer drops, keep those peepers peeled, and you could play a part in keeping the Big Apple's streets as clean as fresh snowfall.
