With the mornings getting colder the Wichita Falls Police Department would like to remind drivers not to leave their cars running and unattended.  Not only does this create a perfect opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle, but in most cases it is illegal.

There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your vehicle or belongings 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 while the thief drives it away.
• LOCK THE DOORS. If unattended this will decrease the opportunity for the criminal to strike.
• TAKE YOUR KEYS.  Don’t hide your keys on or in the vehicle, thieves know where to look.
• HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS.  If leaving property in the vehicle this will also help reduce the risk of a burglary or vehicle theft.