Brrrr! Beware!

As temperatures feel frigid, it's so tempting to let the car warm up without you. But beware of thieves who will easily take advantage of a puffer!

A puffer is a car that’s left running, unlocked, and unattended. Puff, puff of the exhaust pipe is a smoke signal to a thief! 

• ✅ Start your car with a remote starter that requires the car to be locked.
• ✅ Approach your car with caution, scanning the area and walking quickly, in case someone is eyeing your return.
• ❌ Do not sit and text in your vehicle. Get moving.
• ❌ Do not leave your vehicle puffing at a mini-mart or convenience store. It's a quick and easy target!
• ❌ It is illegal to leave your vehicle running and unattended. It is also illegal to leave a child under 6 years old unattended in a motor vehicle

  § 3701.  Unattended motor vehicle.

  (a)  General rule. No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit the vehicle to stand unattended without placing the gear shift lever in a position which under the circumstances impedes the movement of the vehicle, stopping the engine, locking the ignition in vehicles so equipped, removing the key from the ignition.

• § 3701.1.  Leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle.

• (a)  General rule. A person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle may not permit a child under six years of age to remain unattended in the vehicle when the motor vehicle is out of the person's sight and under circumstances which endanger the health, safety or welfare of the child.

Why your car? Newer models are desirable for joy rides or for organized theft rings and transport to other areas or overseas. Older models are very valuable for the parts. Your car is probably worth more chopped to pieces than intact. 

Freeze out the thieves! Stay safe and protect your ride. Call 911 if you see any suspicious behavior.