RENO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- Last week there were series of car thefts in our local viewing area. One common factor in all of these crimes police say was that each car was left warming up and unattended by their drivers.
Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen says car thefts are often a crime of opportunity and their are laws out their to help people you may not even be aware of.
"Statutorily you can not leave a vehicle running unattended. What that means is if the public has access to lets just say a 7-11 parking lot, the curb side of a road way, an apartment complex you should not leave your vehicle running unattended," Trooper Allen says.
News 4 met with local law enforcement to get some helpful tips on how to keep your vehicle safe:
- Lock your car
-Take your keys
-Never hide a second set of keys in your car
-Park in well-lit areas
-Park in attended lots
-Never leave your car running unattended
-Completely close car windows when parked
-Always use your emergency brake when parked
-If you have a garage, use it
-Never leave the registration or title in your carThere are also a list of things you can do to make sure your car isn't a target. Life can be chaotic and in times its easy to leave items in your vehicle, but this too makes you a target for thieves. Law enforcement officials recommend taking items with you when you leave your vehicle or locking them in the trunk. Loose change can even be appealing to thieves.
For more tips on safe ways to warm up your car one News 4 viewer recommends calling a local auto store for tools you can purchase to help you warm up your vehicle.
