The Palmer Police and our neighboring departments are investigating a rash of stolen vehicles parked, left running, unattended with the keys in the ignition, while parked at convenience stores.

Criminals are seeking out these vehicles and are ready and waiting to hop in and take off with your vehicle in a matter of minutes.

“Puffing,” or leaving your car running and unattended, is a common practice of drivers during both summer and winter months.

We are reminding motorists that common-sense steps can help prevent an easy steal like leaving keys in the vehicle or unattended. 

We recommend the following tips to help protect vehicle owners:

• Lock the vehicle, set the alarm, and take all keys or fobs.
• Do not leave the garage door opener in the vehicle.
• Take a picture of your registration on your cell phone and do not leave the registration or other papers with personal information in the vehicle.
• Never leave a car unlocked and running. It only takes a moment for an opportunistic thief to jump inside and drive off.

These types of thefts are textbook crimes of opportunity.

Vehicle owners think they are safe, but in the blink of an eye, our suspect(s) are driving off with your car before you even know what has happened.

Don’t be a victim.