1 In 5 Stolen Cars In Newark Are Left Running, Police Say

NEWARK, NJ — There’s an easy way to give yourself a 22 percent better chance of not being victimized by a car thief in Newark, police say: don’t leave your car running.

On Wednesday, the Newark Public Safety Department issued an advisory about recent car thefts in the city, sharing an important statistic: about one in five stolen vehicles are left running and unattended.

In addition, about 11 percent of carjackings in the city happen when vehicle owners leave their engines idling, police said.

“We’re asking the public to be more vigilant and to discontinue leaving their vehicles running with their keys in the ignition,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

Newark police reminded residents and visitors that it only takes seconds for a thief to steal a vehicle while the owner is warming it up, or steps away to make a quick purchase or transaction with their car keys in the ignition.

Some easy ways to help thwart a future car theft include:

• Install a remote starter so you can warm up or cool down your car without unlocking its doors
• Install a vehicle tracking device to find your car in the event of a theft
• Keep valuables in your vehicle hidden from plain view to deter thefts
• Park in public, well-lit, security-monitored parking areas
• Never leave your car unlocked, even in low-crime areas and neighborhoods
• Keep windows rolled up, even on hot summer days
• Do not leave a spare key in or near your vehicle
• Activate an audible alarm system

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