Police warn of warm-car thefts
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From the WCLO newsroom:
A warm car could be a stolen car if you don't take precautions.
Beloit Police say it's not uncommon for thieves to take advantage of unlocked cars left unattended while warming up. Sergeant Mark Franseen says the thefts happen every winter like clockwork. He recommends starting a car with a spare key, then locking the doors while you go back inside. Beloit Police have already had one report of this sort of theft this year.
Franseen says the thieves usually aren't the best drivers, and many times the theft results in a car crash or damage to property.
Nov 18, 2008 at 1:18 a.m.
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They might not be bad drivers, but when getting chased by the cops in A stolen car and probably wanted on something else (Back support, bench warrant, probation violation) They start to drive A little bit reckless! I Gots To Get Away From The Po Po....... Hey the Gazette didn't say they were bad drivers the Beloit police Sergeant did, and I'm just telling Y'all why they might be drivin that way........
Nov 17, 2008 at 8:58 p.m.
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garyprimer - I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that the gazette said that these theives are bad drivers to get people to be more cautious. Not only may your vehicle be stolen, but when it's found, it may also be destroyed. Hopefully people wouldn't have the mindset of "My car is gone, oh well. I'll just wait until the police find it and everything will be OK."
Nov 17, 2008 at 6:36 p.m.
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My remote starter will kill the engine if it's put in gear without a key, so even if someone does break my window and get it, they still won't get very far.
Nov 17, 2008 at 5:51 p.m.
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This goes hand in hand with the creeps that stick a piece of paper on the rear windshield in mall parking lots. You finish shopping, have your hands full, get in the car, start to back out of the parking space and see something on your rear windshield, blocking your view. You pull back into the stall, get out of the car (with the car running of course, and your purchases and purse in the front seat).
That's when you get knocked to the ground, the creeps jump in your car and drive away.
This was in one of the Madison papers a few weeks ago.
Be careful this holiday season, that your Christmas doesn't get "scrooged"!
Nov 17, 2008 at 5:48 p.m.
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Besides tempting a frozen and cold "would-be" car thief, many car companies actually recomend that you do not idle and warm your car. My car states in the owners manual NOT to warm the car by idle, but to drive it normally without excessive rpm's until it warms. It warms up faster, wastes much less fuel, and excessive idle is not good for engines. With fuel injection you dont have to wait for the choke to adjust on your carb and with synthetic engine oil it doesnt thicken up like conventional motor oils used to changing your oil pressure.
Nov 17, 2008 at 3:30 p.m.
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Try putting some clothes on and you won't have to warm up your car. I also think that it is unfair to characterize all car thieves as poor drivers. I am sure that many of them are excellent drivers (outstanding warrants excluded).
Nov 17, 2008 at 2:37 p.m.
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Right on Jason!!!!! I start my car and take my remote lock with me. When I didn't have that I used my spare key! Remote starts are nice too if you have the money!
Nov 17, 2008 at 1:48 p.m.
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Dear Mr. Obvious,
My car is gone and I don't know why!
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