Police: Don’t leave car warming up unattended
LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) — As temperatures start to drop it’s a common sight to see cars warming up in driveways unlocked with no one around.
The common practice is known for attracting thieves, and warming up an unattended car turned into a robbery twice this week.
In Indianapolis, a car left warming up in a driveway attracted the attention of a thief. It all unfolded on the 6500 block of Yellowstone Parkway near Bluff and Banta roads. A 14-year-old led police on a chase and then crashed the car.
The car later caught on fire. Police took the teen in custody.
In Lawrence, it was a similar situation. A man stole a car warming up in a driveway in the 8400 block of Monterey Road. He ditched it and then led police on a foot chase. Police later caught and arrested the suspect, Eric Bates.
“Our department has been personally impacted,” said Lawrence police Captain Gary Woodruff.
Back in March 2005, Officer Craig Herbert died in a crash during a police pursuit. It all started after a teen stole a car that was left warming up in a driveway.
“All it takes is a brief moment,” said Woodruff.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a total of 126,603 vehicles were reported stolen with the keys in the car 2012 through 2014.
Overall, vehicles thefts are down, according to the study.
Police suggest staying with your car at all times during the warming process. You are also encouraged to purchase a car starter if you don’t plan on staying with your vehicle.
