Police warn residents on ways to help prevent car theft during the winter months

As we head into the winter months and temperatures begin to drop, Springfield Police are urging residents to lock their vehicles and to not leave running vehicles unattended, according to the spokesperson for City of Springfield.

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If you plan to warm your car up prior to leaving, it is best to remain in the vehicle as it heats up and not leave the car unattended with the engine running, the spokesperson said in a media release shared with News Center 7.

“At this time of year as the weather gets colder, people tend to warm their cars up in front of their home or leave the motor running while the driver goes into a gas station or uses an ATM,” Springfield Police Sgt. Dan Harris said in the media release. “The problem is that others take advantage of the opportunity to steal cars.”

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There are ways residents can attempt to decrease the chance of theft:

• Drivers should not leave the car running when they are not in it.
• Drivers should not leave the keys in the vehicle.
• Remember to keep your vehicle locked when it is in park.

During this time of year, residents should also be cautious when shopping for gifts, according to Sgt. Harris. As residents go from store to store, they should lock their shopping bags in their trunk, out of sight from the outside of the vehicle.

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This applies to larger purchases such as televisions as well, Sgt. Harris said. After the gift is unpacked, Sgt. Harris advises residents to break down the box before discarding it.

Sgt. Harris said in the release that leaving the box intact and by the curb for pickup creates an opportunity for burglary.

To report a non-emergency threat, call Springfield Police Division at 937-324-7685.

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