UPDATE

Don’t leave your car unattended while it is running.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department reminds everyone to avoid leaving their vehicles unattended while warming up.

Each year the Department takes over 300 stolen vehicle reports where either the vehicle was left running or the keys were left inside. During the cold season many people leave their vehicles running and unattended to warm up and defrost. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it is a perfect opportunity for car thieves to take your car. Already the number of stolen vehicles reported in November have increased 13% from the month before.

Note: A city ordinance prohibits the idling of vehicles within city limits for more than two minutes, although there are exemptions for when temperatures drop below 32-degrees Fahrenheit and when defrosting the windows. Parking Enforcement, part of Salt Lake City Public Services Compliance Division, enforces this ordinance.

Since this release on the 4^th of December there have been 21 stolen vehicle reports where the keys were left in the vehicle or the car was running. In the last four weeks there has been a 31% increase in stolen vehicle reports (not just idling or keys left in). Follow us on Twitter for daily updates on stolen vehicle that could have been prevented. #DontGiveYourCarAway 

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