APD: Cars left running and unattended invite thieves

Police have documented at least 37 instances since January 2010 in which motor vehicles were stolen while motorists warmed up the car and ducked inside their home or apartment momentarily. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to get behind the wheel and take off.

“It’s like leaving a stack of cash on the street and expecting it to be there when you come back,” said Lt. Richard Mason, commander of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force. “Cars can be valuable and easy targets for criminals.”