Running and Unlocked: 33 Cars Stolen in Saint Paul Since Dec. 1

It's cold outside, which means it's the busy season for car thieves in Minnesota. Since Dec. 1, Saint Paul police has received 33 reports of cars being stolen after their owners left them running, unlocked, with the keys in the ignition.

Last week, police say a woman stole a car that had been left running and unattended. Then she drove to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport and tried to catch a flight.

"We can only assume she was trying to head somewhere warm," police said on Facebook.

Authorities ask motorists to "resist the urge" to leave your car unattended while it warms up.

Yes, the weather outside is frightful, but there's nothing delightful about having your vehicle stolen. Please stay with your vehicle while it warms up.

Image via Fibonacci Blue, Flickr, used under Creative Commons