Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski, of Isabella County, is warning drivers not to warm up their cars before they're in them this winter.
"During the extreme cold Michigan experiences in the winter, there is an increased temptation to start your vehicle and go back inside to let it warm up," Mioduszewski said.
Thieves have been known to "patrol" neighborhoods looking for unoccupied running cars, Mioduszewski said.
The Sheriff says they may work in teams, with one person driving the car and the passengers prepared to jump out when an unattended running car is spotted. They may break windows if necessary.
If warming up your car is absolutely necessary, Sheriff Mioduszewski recommends you invest in a remote car starter. Car starters are designed to allow your car to warm up without the key, but disable the car if anyone tried to put it in gear without inserting the key.
If you still feel the need to warm up your car without a remote starter, the Sheriff offers the following tips:
-Keep a watchful eye on your car from inside the house
-Make sure you have a backup key so you can lock the door to your car while it's warming up
-Don't keep your "warm up" key on a ring with your house keys. If you do, the thief will also have access to your home.
-If you leave your car running in the garage, partially close the garage door. This will still allow the exhaust fumes to escape, but will serve as a deterrent to the thief.
"It's very easy to avoid falling victim to this crime," said Sheriff Mioduszewski. "By remaining with your vehicle during warm up, you will deter thieves who are looking for an easy target."
