Reno Police Says to Not Leave Your Car Started to Warm It Up | News

It's that time of year where your car windows might be frosted over in the mornings.

Some people may start their car to warm them up and go back inside to wait.

However, Reno Police Department says they are seeing more stolen cars recently.

"Right now, it seems like every morning when I come in, I'm hearing on the radio that vehicles are being stolen and so, it's just a common trend that we're seeing right now," said Stephen Greenlee, Public Information Officer for the Reno Police Department. "Unfortunately, it got colder and we're starting to see more frosted windows and we're starting to see this up tick."

The department says if you start your car, do not leave it unattended as going inside to keep warm may not be worth losing your car.

RPD says your best option is if you have a remote start option for your car.

If someone were to break in, they wouldn't be able to drive off with it without the key.

Using a keyless fob and locking the doors while the engine is running won't protect your car.

Reno police says someone could break your window and speed off in your car, even if it's only for a short while.

"Our recommendation is if you don't have the capability of having a remote start in your car or that's an expense you can't take on, unfortunately you're just going to have to stay with your vehicle or if you can park it in your garage where you can keep the frost off and maybe keep it a little bit warmer for you," Officer Greenlee said.

Some locals told us they don't take the chance.

"Well, I certainly don't leave my car running while it's unattended," said Bob Aldrich. "I think that's a terrible practice and it invites the worst of our society to come and take advantage."

RPD says you can never be too cautious when protecting yourself and your vehicle.

"So, I think it's really important to point out as the owner of these vehicles, you need to take on yourself and be responsible for these and not leave your keys in them," Officer Greenlee said. "Not start these things and leave them unattended. It is such a quick thing that occurs someone walking down the street."

If you see any car being stolen, the police say don't intervene and call them right away.

As the value of yourself is much greater than a car.

"So, if this is an active crime, we are going to want you to call 911 and if it's an after the fact and your vehicle is already gone just call our non-emergency number and report that and then we'll get an officer out to you as fast as you can," Officer Greenlee said.

The number to their non-emergency line is 775-334-2121.