Police: Idling cars likely to be stolen

Tribune Staff Report

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 11, 2008 at 12:00 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM EDT

SOUTH BEND — If you leave your vehicle idling in very cold weather, it’s a good idea to stay inside it.

From Jan. 1 through the first week of February, a total of 46 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the city of South Bend. Of those, 21 — nearly half — of the vehicles were idling and unattended when they were stolen, said Capt. Phil Trent of the South Bend Police Department.

Thirty-three (72 percent) of those vehicles were recovered, police said.

Starting a vehicle and leaving it unattended is a welcome sign to a thief, police said in a warning issued today. "We would urge drivers to always stay with their vehicles unless the car is switched off with the doors locked," stated the warning.

Saturday, Feb 16 at 11:17 AM Terry wrote ...

Idling isn't necessary. If anything, idling a car for any more than 10 seconds (that's right) uses more fuel than shutting off and restarting. So, unless you're in an intersection where a stalled car might hold everything back you simply should stop the idle for anything more than 10 seconds. It feels cold for the first 5 minutes in that car, right? But that chill will quickly go away. Idling will pay for that cup of Joe at Starbucks, too, so think again. Idling: it's just ain't worth it.

Tuesday, Feb 12 at 8:15 AM Bill wrote ...

Hey, Thinking, try thinking and not leave your car running if you aren't in it? It's not the fault of the police you are stupid.

Tuesday, Feb 12 at 7:01 AM Thinking! wrote ...

Here is one people! How about you COPS just start patrolling our neighborhoods more. I live on South Side off Ewing and the only time you ever see cops is at the gas stations around here. Maybe if there was more of a Police presence around there would be less theft.

Monday, Feb 11 at 4:52 PM Disturbed wrote ...

Pretty Simple...A thief only needs a couple of seconds to bust the window out of that idling car with the door locked and you can say buh bye to your car...:D

Monday, Feb 11 at 4:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I put the ignition key in, start the car,lock the doors & take the door key back inside while I'm waiting, pretty simple. A couple seconds is worth keeping someone from driving off with your car.

Monday, Feb 11 at 4:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Most cars now come equipped with remote start. For about $150, people can get one put on at number of places in the area. Food for thought.

Monday, Feb 11 at 2:39 PM duh wrote ...

um- most people have two sets of keys, if you must start your car early, -lock the doors, been doing it for years...my car has never come up missing

Monday, Feb 11 at 2:04 PM Chewbacca wrote ...

Why don't these idling cars get a job!?

Monday, Feb 11 at 12:58 PM Anon wrote ...

I love my remote start. It will run, but once you touch the brake to shift from park, it kills the engine.

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