Since Nov. 1, there have been 25 instances where people have left their vehicles running and someone has driven off with them, according to Waterloo Regional Police.
“One was at a gas station where the motorist pumped her gas and went in to pay,” Const. Ashley Dietrich said. “When she came out, her vehicle was no longer there. She did see it driving away and made an attempt to stop it.”
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Dietrich said she failed to stop the bandit but police were able to recover the car nearby a short while later.
She told the story to illustrate the point that residents need to be wary of thieves regardless of whether they are letting their car warm up at home or not.
“We are just reminding motorists to always keep your keys with you, lock your car and don’t leave it running unattended,” she explained.
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She said that there are people who are driving around in the area looking for cars that are idling in driveways in the morning, as a good portion of the thefts occurred at home.
“It does only take seconds,” Dietrich said. “Car thieves will be driving around neighbourhoods looking for vehicles that are warming up and unattended.”
Police are hoping that if residents do see suspicious activity, they will call them and let them know.
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Since people are more likely to allow their car to warm up for longer periods in wintertime, police are also suggesting that people stick near their cars and wait.
“If you can and you are bundled up, sit in your vehicle while it is warming up,” Dietrich suggested while also providing other options to keep busy nearby. “Take the time to brush your snow off your vehicle or if it is garbage day, take your garbage out while your vehicle is warming up.”
Police say that another option is to purchase a remote starter as well.
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