APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – It hasn’t happened yet this winter, but it seems like every year we hear about cars being stolen or burglarized while they are left to warm up in frigid temperatures. With highs in the single digits this week, more drivers are likely to be letting their vehicles warm up before hitting the road.
“We all know how terrible it is here with Wisconsin winters where it’s just so cold. Sometimes that car takes 20 minutes to warm up before you even get to work,” says Appleton Police Officer Meghan Cash.
But that’s still not a reason to leave a vehicle alone while it’s running.
“Don’t leave your car unattended, even at gas stations. We see that most frequently because people run inside, leave their car running, unlocked, and that’s when we see most people being victimized,” Cash tells WTAQ News, “It’s not something that frequently happens, but I think people are aware that it’s something that probably isn’t the smartest thing to do.”
If you really need to start the vehicle and let it warm up for a few minutes ahead of your commute, Cash recommends keeping a close eye on things until you’re ready to go.
“Make sure that you’re either in it or that you’re nearby and it’s locked,” says Cash, “our officers have to ask all of the questions: Was the car locked? Were the keys in it? Nobody wants to answer those questions with ‘Yes’.”
Temperatures are supposed to rise again soon but likely will not stick around for too long.
