The Dallas Police Department warns that an increase of stolen car reports is connected to the cold weather.
Many people will step away from the car while its warming up in their driveway or parking lot. Police say some folks even leave the car on while they run into a convenience store for a minute.
Thieves target vehicles that are on, and are stealing them.
Police advise that within hours, your car can go from a convenience store, to a scrap yard, ripped apart for metal and parts.
“They hop in, cause typically they’re unlocked, they have a set of keys and a car, and they’re ready to go, and usually its warm for them,” said Sgt. David Landry with the Dallas Police Department.
As of Jan. 24, 95 cars have been stolen this way. That total accounts for 20 percent of all cars stolen throughout the month.
Elise Martin admits she’s left the car alone with the keys inside, a few times.
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“Convenience, or left an animal in the car and wanted it to stay cool,” Martin said.
Martin says the cold temperatures have also contributed to leaving the car alone, while it warms up.
“In my driveway, but that’s about it," Martin said.
Dallas police said people should sacrifice a few minutes in the cold, rahter than make their vehicle a convenient target.
