Warming up your car? Don't leave it unattended

Frost-covered windows and a chilly engine are enough for most people to give their vehicle a few-minute warm-up before braving the icy roads.

Considering the recent stretch of frigid weather — temperatures have already dipped below zero — the thawing is especially warranted.

But as tempting as it is to leave the vehicle unattended as it warms, local enforcement officers discourage this practice for several reasons.

One, because it opens a door — literally — for advantageous car thieves.

And two, it can be illegal.

Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug's department has dealt with 36 car thefts in 2016, a number he doesn't want to see increase during the holiday season.

"Countywide, some car thefts in the wintertime happen because people are leaving their unattended cars running," Haug said. "Vehicles are taken when they're warming up because someone sees it as an opportunity to get a warm ride then take it."

Homes, gas stations, convenience stores and ATMs are the likely places a thief will prey on an unattended running car.

Just last week, a 2004 Ford Mustang was stolen from outside Peterson’s Grocery on E. Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

“The victim had left the vehicle running outside the business,” states the Coeur d’Alene Police Department’s weekly crime report.

In November, Coeur d’Alene police responded to eight reports of car theft. PFPD received one stolen car report.

"It's something you want to be very conscious of," Haug said. "You never want to leave your keys in your car when you're not in it."

If someone leaves a car running unattended on a public street or road, it an be grounds for a ticket.

According to Idaho Code 49-602, no person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.