In case you haven’t already heard, it’s a bad idea to leave your car running when you’re not in it. More than a dozen cars have been stolen around town over the past few days according to the Alameda Police Department [1] (APD), and some of them had been left unattended with the motor running.
[2]
We all know it’s cold outside and it takes time to warm up the car and defrost the windows, but if nobody is inside, you might as well put out a sign that says, “Steal this car!”
With morning temperatures expected to remain cold throughout the week, the APD issued an advisory reminding the community to not leave idling cars unattended. They offered these suggestions to prevent auto theft:
- Always secure your vehicle after each use.
- Never leave items visible inside for your car.
- Give yourself extra time to sit inside your car as it warms up.
- For added security, use steering wheel or pedal locks (which can be picked up free of charge at the Alameda Police Department, 1555 Oak St.)
- Avoid parking in isolated areas.
Don’t make it easier for a thief to get into your car and drive it away!