Newark Police is reporting that in the first 19-days of January 2017, 22 percent of Newark’s stolen vehicles were left unattended with their engines running.
Warming up an unattended vehicle with keys in the ignition is an invitation for thieves to steal your car police said.
The Newark Police Division is asking the public to be more vigilant and to discontinue leaving their vehicles running to warm up or to chance running inside a store or business to make a “quick” purchase or transaction with their car keys in the ignition.
It only takes seconds for a thief to steal a vehicle left running while unattended and or unoccupied.
Time and time again we hear drivers who claim that no sooner did they leave their car unattended than someone entered it and stole it. The time varies from minutes to mere seconds.
Don’t fall into a false sense of security by using a remote to lock the car while the engine is running. In this scenario, the thief only needs to break a window to enter the vehicle and drive off. This practice gives thieves an open invitation to steal your car.
If you want to warm up your car, do so legally, by not leaving the vehicle unattended.
While no one is immune to auto theft and associated incidents, vehicle owners are warned to take some extra precautions to prevent vehicular crimes.
Here are some suggestions:
· Install a remote starter so you can warm up or cool down your car without
unlocking its doors
· Install a vehicle tracking device to find your car in the event of a theft
· Keep valuables in your vehicle hidden from plain view to deter thefts
· Park in public, well-lit, security-monitored parking areas
· Never leave your car unlocked, even in low-crime areas and neighborhoods
· Keep windows rolled up, even on hot summer days
· Do not leave a spare key in or near your vehicle
·
Activate an audible alarm system
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about car thefts or other crimes to contact the Department's 24-hour Crime Stoppers’ tip line at 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential.