Police Warn Of Cold-Weather Thieves Targeting Warming-Up Vehicles

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD -- Detectives from the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (WAVE) team arrest 15 suspects in connection with seven separate vehicle warm-up thefts over the last week, according to a Prince George's County Police Department release.

The WAVE team also recovered 10 stolen vehicles, most of which were taken while the owner had left them running and unattended in order to warm them up.

“We know it’s cold outside and it’s not pleasant to get into a cold car — but unfortunately, thieves know this too," said Acting Capt. Jordan Swonger of the Special Investigation Division, in the release. "They are targeting victims who are warming up their cars and running back inside of their homes. Please never leave your vehicle running and unattended. We can’t stress that message enough."

PGPD shared a video on its YouTube page of thieves taking an unattended vehicle on Jan. 10, around 2:49 a.m.:

Anyone with information about any stolen vehicle case is asked to call 301-516-3788. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app.