'Puffer' Car Thefts A Threat In Montgomery County, Police Warn

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — "Puffer" thefts, or vehicles being stolen that are left running by owners to warm up, are spreading across Montgomery County, several local police departments warned in public statements Wednesday morning.

The "puff" of smoke from the rear exhaust of the vehicle can than serve as a signal to thieves that the vehicle is unattended, police said.

Communities including Upper Merion, Lower Gwynedd, Horsham, Hatboro, Lansdale, and Lower Moreland all issued similar warnings.

Thieves have numerous motivations for such thefts.

"Newer models are desirable for joy rides or for organized theft rings and transport to other areas or overseas," police said in a statement. "Older models are very valuable for the parts. Your car is probably worth more chopped to pieces than intact."

Police provided the following tips to keep your vehicle safe:

• Start your car with a remote starter that requires the car to be locked
• Approach your car with caution, scanning the area and walking quickly, in case someone is eyeing your return
• Do not sit and text in your vehicle, get moving
• Do not leave your vehicle puffing at a mini-mart or convenience store