APD: Cars left running and unattended invite thieves
Yes, it's cold outside.
But leaving your car running and unattended in the morning while it warms up is an open invitation to an auto thief.
Just don't do it, urges Atlanta Police Department officials.
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.”
About the Author
Fran Jeffries is a Newsletter Producer. She joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2005 as an Education Editor. She worked as a Breaking News Editor and Social Media Producer before joining the Newsletter team.
