Cars Left Running to Warm-up, Reported Stolen

(Claire Jones, KOEL) Northeast Iowa authorities report that multiple cars have been reported stolen, when they were left running to warm up in these sub-zero temperatures.

With temperatures dropping below zero, it seems to be common sense to let your car run in order to warm up, but Cedar Rapids police are advising against it. Two vehicles were stolen Sunday while they were left running, while the owners went back inside to warm up.

The first happened outside an apartment complex in Cedar Rapids. The second was stolen when the owner of the vehicle left it running while they went into a business for only a few short minutes.

Authorities stress that all it takes is an unlocked car, exhaust running, and an empty seat for a criminal to notice the opportunity.

Cedar Rapids police have reported 287 stolen vehicles in 2015, with about 75% of the vehicles being stolen while they were either unlocked with keys inside, or left running.

They also warn residents to keep valuables in the vehicle out of sight,  including guns! Guns have been reported stolen from cars as well.