TOWSON, MD—With cooler temperatures approaching and vehicle thefts on the rise, police say Baltimore County residents may be tempted to leave their cars unattended while they warm up. The term “Warm-Up Theft” describes stealing a vehicle that has been left running and unattended. These thefts typically occur outside a home, apartment building or convenience store. They are crimes of opportunity and crimes that are preventable.

To help drivers protect themselves against “Warm-Up Theft,” the Baltimore County Police Department wants to remind residents of the potential threat and provide some safe alternatives:

• Turn your car off, never leave your car running unattended.
•  In cold weather, warm up with your car: grab a hot cup of coffee, gloves, and a blanket. It shouldn’t take long – most cars warm up in a matter of minutes.
• Always take your keys/FOB.
• Park in an enclosed garage whenever possible.
• Lock your doors every single time.
• Look up auto thefts in your zip code through the Baltimore County Crime Dashboard.
• Review the top stolen vehicles in Maryland here.

Police are asking anyone who sees suspicious activity in their neighborhood to call 911.

Anyone with information about a stolen vehicle is asked to call 410-307-2020. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Residents may also go online to Metro Crime Stoppers to submit information through the “P3TIPS” mobile app.

Read more about the “Warm-Up Theft” law in Maryland here.

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