Police Warn Drivers of Warm-up Thefts

Las Cruces police are reminding drivers to the dangers of automobile warm-up thefts.

Vehicle warm-up thefts can happen when, during cold weather months, an automobile is started and left unattended to warm the cabin or defrost the windshield. While many newer-model vehicles have remote-start capabilities, that option has its own risks and can lead a perpetrator to break in and attempt a theft.

Police ask motorists to refrain from leaving vehicles unattended while the engine is running, and doors are unlocked.

Useful tips:

• Do not leave vehicles running and unattended.
• Do not leave vehicles running, unattended and with children inside.
• Do not leave keys or items of value inside the vehicle or easily seen from outside.
• Do not leave keys to your home, business, or other properties inside vehicle.
• Do not leave the vehicle’s title, or personal or financial documents in vehicle.
• Do not leave firearms or ammunition inside vehicles.
• Do not leave garage door remote openers in vehicle.
• Do not loan your vehicle to someone you do not know and fully trust.
• Invest in and use an audible alarm system with an automatic kill switch that prevents the vehicle from being started.
• Ensure that all windows to vehicle are etched with the Vehicle Identification Number.
• Close and lock windows and doors when leaving vehicles unattended.
• If possible, park vehicle in a garage or within a gated area.
• Do not leave garage doors open or partially open. Entry can be gained by leaving a garage door partially open by as little as 10 inches.
• Immediately report suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhood.

Immediately report a stolen vehicle by calling police at (575) 526-0795 or call 911 if it is an emergency. Be prepared to provide the make, model and color of vehicle along with the VIN and current license plate number.