Don't Warm Your Car Up Unaccompanied, Shaker Heights Police Say

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH - With temperatures hovering around freezing this week, and snow likely on Thursday, many residents will be interrupting their morning routine to run out and warm up their car. For some, that will mean leaving their car running in the driveway, hoping to defrost the windows and get the engine ready to roll.

Unfortunately, that's a huge window of opportunity for a car thief. While you chow down on your requisite morning bagel, someone could be making off with your car.

After a rash of car thefts in the city, including two last week, Shaker Heights police are asking residents to keep a close eye on their vehicle.

The department wrote a Facebook post on Monday imploring residents to not leave their car unattended in their driveway. The department wrote, "Chances are that criminals notice that exhaust coming from the unattended car in the driveway too. Unless you have theft deterrent devices installed, please do not leave your car unattended to warm up. The person who ends up driving the car might not be you!"

Regardless of where you land in the warming your car debate (is it good? is it bad?), try to keep an eye on your vehicle. If you're fond of your neighbor (and even if you're not) try to keep an eye on their driveway bound car, as well.

Photo by Kim F via Flickr Commons