SAFE IN 60

Safe in 60: Don’t Give Thieves The Keys To Your Car

Jan 7, 2019, 11:13 AM

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — It’s that time of year when it’s cold and dark in the morning, and very tempting to start the car and run back inside until it is defrosted and warmed up. But if you do, you’re likely just warming up your vehicle for someone else to enjoy at your expense.

Police call them “warm-up” thefts, and they are a big problem in Salt Lake City. We see an average of five cars stolen each day in Salt Lake City this time of year, and most of them have the keys inside.

Thieves call them “puffers,” as the exhaust from the running cars is easy to spot in the cold.

Whether the vehicle is in front of your house, or if you’re stopped for a really quick errand, always turn your car off and lock the doors. No matter how cold it is, never leave your car idling while unattended.

Although locking the doors while the vehicle is idling helps, it will not prevent theft. All a thief needs to do is break a window and they have your car, any valuables inside and possibly keys to your house as well.

You may think push button cars cannot be driven without the key inside the vehicle, but that is not always the case. Older push button start vehicles that are already running can be driven without the sensor, just not started again once the ignition is turned off.

Only a newer, remote-controlled ignition starter with anti-theft security measures prevents driving the vehicle without the key. However, your idling car will still attract thieves who might not know they can’t drive off. You will likely still end up with a broken window and stolen valuables.

So put on the hat, gloves and heavy coat, grab the ice scraper and head outside to weather the storm. It might be uncomfortable for a few minutes, but far less painful than dealing with the headache of a stolen vehicle.

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Safe in 60: Don’t Give Thieves The Keys To Your Car