As winter settles in and temperatures dip, the Las Cruces Police Department is sounding the alarm on a cold-weather hazard that's leaving many residents out in the cold. So-called "warm-up thefts" are on the rise, with opportunistic thieves on the lookout for unattended vehicles left running to warm up the interior or defrost the windshield. According to the City of Las Cruces, while newer vehicles might boast remote-start capabilities, they still fall prey to break-ins and attempted thefts.

The advice from police is straightforward, keep a vigil by your vehicle if it's running, and importantly, ensure that doors are locked at all the times. But in the pursuit of warmth and convenience, some are leaving not just their vehicles running and their cabins heating up, but also inviting risks that run far colder than the outside air. Motorists should never leave their vehicles running and unattended, particularly with children inside or with valuables left in plain sight.

Further tips provided by the police underscore the caution needed, from the simple act of locking windows and doors to the strategic placement of vehicles in garages or gated areas. Other measures like installing an alarm system with a kill switch, etching the vehicle's windows with its identification number, or wisely choosing who you trust your vehicle with, could be the difference between a safe ride and a harrowing theft.

Also, there's a call to mindfulness about what's left inside of a car. It's not only valuables or personal items, items like garage door openers can provide another form of access to your property if they fall into the wrong hands. Firearms and ammunition, too, should never be left unattended in a vehicle. Do not leave firearms or ammunition inside vehicles, the police warn, highlighting the potential for compounding legal and safety issues should they be stolen.