Don't become a victim! Leaving your car running with key in the ignition is an open invitation to thieves

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Don't become a victim! Milwaukee police are reminding folks that a warm, running vehicle with the key in the ignition is an open invitation to thieves.

With the cold temperatures we saw on Thursday morning, February 12th, MPD says they received several reports of vehicles being stolen, with the key in the ignition. Owners left the car running unattended and an opportunistic thief drove off with the car.

MPD is reminding drivers that letting your vehicle run unattended puts it at risk for being stolen.

There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your car to an opportunistic thief:

STAY WITH THE CAR. It's better to be cold for a few minutes in your car while it warms up than to be left in the cold when a thief drives it away.

LOCK THE DOORS. Use a second key to be able to lock the car after starting it.

GET A REMOTE STARTER. Remote starters are the safest, and only legal way to keep your car running while unattended. With the key out of the ignition, a thief can't put the car in gear.

USE A CLUB: Lock the steering wheel with a "Club" steering wheel lock to discourage thieves from targeting your car.