Arlington Police Warn Against Leaving Idling Vehicles Unattended

ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington County Police Department is warning residents against leaving running vehicles unattended after the department has investigated five reports of idling vehicles being stolen so far in December.

In each reported case, the victim was running short errands, such as picking up food or making a purchase at a convenience store, at the time of the motor vehicle thefts.

“That’s why it’s important to never leave the area while your vehicle is running, even for a short duration of time,” the police department said Wednesday.

Motor vehicle thefts are often crimes of opportunity, according to Arlington police, with thieves taking advantage of unattended vehicles left running or with the keys inside.

The Arlington County Police Department has tips to protect vehicles from getting stolen:

• Remain aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Double click the lock button on the key fob to receive a confirmation beep/chirp or pull on the door handle to verify it’s locked.
• Do not leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.
• Ensure that your vehicle is turned off when leaving it unattended. Vehicles with keyless ignition systems can be driven for extended periods of time even if the key fob is not inside the car. Be sure to read your owner’s manual carefully and familiarize yourself with how to operate your vehicle’s keyless ignition system properly.

The police urge residents not to confront a suspect attempting to steal their vehicle. Instead, they should dial 911 immediately.