LIMA — Car thieves seeking a warm ride are finding unattended vehicles by people hoping to warm up their ride.
The only problem with leaving it running, besides being against the law, is thieves do not like the cold especially, walking in it.
Police officers have observed an increase in the number of vehicles stolen lately, said Lima Police Department Patrol Officer Joshua Snyder.
“We get some in the morning on day shift. They start it, leave it unattended and when they return to the vehicle it’s gone,” Snyder said.
People have two options, the first is to not leave the car running or the second is to have an electronic engine starter that allows the car to run and warm up but if someone tries to drive it without the key it shuts off, Snyder said.
Cars can be left unattended if a remote starter is used, he said.
Jack Somerville, an insurance agent with Webb Insurance, said insurance will cover a stolen car that was left running but people may have a deductible to pay, depending on their policy, that typically does not exceed $500.
Police officers typically find the vehicles a short time later left at another location. Most of the time, vehicles are not vandalized or damaged, Snyder said.
Snyder recommends people have a remote starter installed rather than leaving their car running. It can cost less than a deductible ranging from $100 to $150 installed.
The thefts happen anywhere in the city where someone leaves a car running and there is an opportunistic thief. It also happens in nearby counties and is a common problem when it’s cold outside, Snyder said.
