PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Philadelphia Police Department says protecting your vehicle from theft can be as easy as changing one simple habit.<\/p>\n
It’s often the cold weather that helps to drive this behavior, as people want to keep the car warm when they run into the store.<\/p>\n
Police say this is when they see an uptick in car thefts, and they’re getting the word out to prevent this crime of opportunity.<\/p>\n
“Don’t be a puffer.”<\/p>\n
The saying may be a little silly, but the message is serious.<\/p>\n
Philadelphia police are warning of car thieves hopping into running vehicles.<\/p>\n
“Please don’t leave your car idle. This is all over the city that we have here problems,” said Deputy Commissioner Myesha Massey.<\/p>\n
Members of the department are meeting the drivers where they are, at Wawa. They’re visiting 31 convenience stores on Thursday to spread awareness.<\/p>\n
“They actually reached out to us to partner with them because they are here when we are responding to the 911 calls,” said Massey.<\/p>\n
It’s not just access to your running vehicle. Police are warning about new technology used by car thieves.<\/p>\n
“New techniques are allowing criminals to bypass traditional vehicle security systems and steal cars quickly and quietly,” said Massey. “They are connecting the vehicle’s computer to make their own key fobs.”<\/p>\n
Major Crimes Auto Squad Lieutenant Brian Geer says an inexpensive lock can help.<\/p>\n
“Prevents them from getting access into your computer of your car and downloading a pin and passcode and make their own key fob,” he says.<\/p>\n
And drivers are taking note.<\/p>\n
“The first thing he said is that people are running out of their cars and running in, and I’m like, ‘Have I been guilty of that? So let me be more alert now,” said Erika Parker from Port Richmond.<\/p>\n
Drivers can also be subject to a $100 fine for idling their vehicle for too long.
<\/p>\n
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