There is some good news when it comes to the freezing temps, police say crime decreases.
But, there is one specific thief who is just waiting for it, the car thief.
Police say it takes only five seconds for someone to steal your car. Susquehanna Township Police are investigating two car thefts that happened in one week, when people started their cars to warm them up then ran inside.
Messiah College Criminal Justice Professor Kelly Cheeseman says typically during the summer, there's an increase in crime, because there are more people outside.
Police say when that mercury drops, so does the crime rate. All except for car thefts.
"In terms of winter months or cold weather, one of the things you can immediately point to is people will start their cars and leave them unattended," Cheeseman stated.
That's what happened in Susquehanna Township when two cars were stolen recently, one from a driveway. The owners started them to warm up and left them.
Police say if your vehicle has an alarm, use it. Never leave registration or the title in your car, because thieves can also steal your identity!
Never leave your car running, keep valuables out of sight and park your car in a well-lighted area.
Detective Donald Carons says leaving your car running while unattended is illegal.
"It's dangerous. If someone gets into your car, when it's running and unoccupied it's easier to steal,” explained Detective Carons. “You don't want children or anyone who's not suppose to be driving to have access to a car that's running."
Also, people tend to be more depressed in the winter, which leads them to commit criminal behavior.
But, there is one specific thief who is just waiting for it, the car thief.
Police say it takes only five seconds for someone to steal your car. Susquehanna Township Police are investigating two car thefts that happened in one week, when people started their cars to warm them up then ran inside.
Messiah College Criminal Justice Professor Kelly Cheeseman says typically during the summer, there's an increase in crime, because there are more people outside.
Police say when that mercury drops, so does the crime rate. All except for car thefts.
"In terms of winter months or cold weather, one of the things you can immediately point to is people will start their cars and leave them unattended," Cheeseman stated.
That's what happened in Susquehanna Township when two cars were stolen recently, one from a driveway. The owners started them to warm up and left them.
Police say if your vehicle has an alarm, use it. Never leave registration or the title in your car, because thieves can also steal your identity!
Never leave your car running, keep valuables out of sight and park your car in a well-lighted area.
Detective Donald Carons says leaving your car running while unattended is illegal.
"It's dangerous. If someone gets into your car, when it's running and unoccupied it's easier to steal,” explained Detective Carons. “You don't want children or anyone who's not suppose to be driving to have access to a car that's running."
Also, people tend to be more depressed in the winter, which leads them to commit criminal behavior.