MPD says it has seen increase in thefts of unattended vehicles

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Officials with MPD's District Two say they have recently seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts involving unattended vehicles with its engine running and keys in the ignition.

Police are reminding citizens to never leave vehicles unattended while it is running.

Police say this is the time of year when this type of motor vehicle theft tends to increase due to the colder weather.

This type of theft is extremely easy to prevent.

Police say: make sure to stay with your vehicle while it is warming up and never leave it
unattended even if it is just for a few seconds. Remember, it only takes a second for
someone to enter your vehicle and take it if the keys are in the ignition.

Additionally, it is a violation of city of Milwaukee ordinances to leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition when it is parked on a public street.