The growing popularity of thefts with keys left inside the vehicle should sound an alarm to drivers as temperatures drop and the urge to leave cars warming up rises.
Thefts trends by month demonstrate stolen vehicles with keys left in the vehicle are seasonally driven. Thefts with keys are lower in months with more moderate temperatures and rise with lower temperatures. One reason for this seasonal rise in thefts is “puffing.”
“Puffing,” or leaving your car running unattended, is a common practice of drivers during both summer and winter months. It can be tempting to leave a vehicle running during a quick errand or getting ready in the morning. Criminals are ready and waiting to hop in and take off with a vehicle in a matter of minutes.
