Automobile ‘cool-down’ or ‘keep cool’ thefts are just as likely during warm weather months as vehicle ‘warm-up’ thefts are during the winter.
Vehicle warm-up thefts are known to happen when, during cold weather months, an automobile is started and left unattended to warm the cabin or defrost the windshield. In warm weather climates, such as southern New Mexico’s, vehicles left running to keep the air conditioner on can just as easily be stolen in a matter of seconds.
The Las Cruces Police Department encourages motorists to refrain from leaving vehicles unattended while the engine is running and doors are unlocked.
Nationally, more vehicles are stolen during the summer and warm weather months than during any other season. The Las Cruces Police Department encourages owners of motor vehicles follow these tips:
- Do not leave vehicles running and unattended.
- Do not leave vehicles running, unattended and with children inside.
- Do not leave keys or items of value inside the vehicle or easily seen from outside.
- Do not leave keys to your home, business, or other properties inside vehicle.
- Do not leave the vehicle’s title, or personal or financial documents in vehicle.
- Do not leave firearms inside vehicles.
- Do not leave garage door remote openers in vehicle.
- Do not loan your vehicle to someone you do not know and fully trust.
- Invest in and use an audible alarm system with an automatic kill switch that prevents the vehicle from being started.
- Ensure that all windows to vehicle are etched with the Vehicle Identification Number.
- Close and lock windows and doors when leaving vehicles unattended.
- If possible, park vehicle in a garage or within a gated area.
- Do not leave garage doors open or partially open. Entry can be gained by leaving a garage door partially open by as little as 10 inches.
- Immediately report suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhood.
Immediately report a stolen vehicle by calling police at (575) 526-0795 or call 911 if it is an emergency. Be prepared to provide the make, model and color of vehicle along with the VIN and current license plate number.