LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Chances are, you've been told to let your car warm up for a few minutes before driving off in the winter. The problem, however, is that it takes even less time for a thief to hop in and steal your ride.

Captain Gary Stone with the Lakewood Police Department said people should not leave their cars unattended.

What You Need To Know

  • Car thefts increase in colder weather, when the exhaust is more visible

  • People leave cars unattended to warm up  

  • It is illegal in some cities to do this

“Leaving a car in a driveway or on the street that’s unattended, that’s running, with the keys in the ignition, is just inviting somebody to walk up and steal the vehicle,” said Stone, adding that police departments generally see more car thefts in winter.

“Especially in the colder months people want to keep the car running to keep the heater going to keep the car warm,” he said. Captain Stone also explained leaving your car to warm up is illegal in Lakewood and other Ohio cities..

“You have a duty to lock your car, leave it, make sure that it’s not running and the keys are out of the ignition when it’s parked,” he said.

Stone gave some helpful tips on how to keep yourself from becoming a car theft victim this winter.

“Stay near your car, don’t let your car unattended even in your drivewayy, especially this time of the year,” he said.