Police departments in Harrisburg, Paxtang, Penbrook, and Susquehanna Township report an increase in stolen cars that were left unattended at convenience stores or “warming up” in driveways.
Approximately 20 cars in the greater Harrisburg area have been stolen within the last two weeks. So far, only about 4 of those vehicles have been recovered.
“We need car owners to understand these thefts are 100% avoidable,” says Cynthia Tolsma, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority. “This is a crime of opportunity, you may think it will never happen to you, but this monthʼs victims
will tell you – it does happen -- and itʼs a nightmare to have your car stolen, especially seconds before you head to work.”
ATPA recommends never leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition. If you are “warming up” your vehicle, do so only with a remote starter device that allows you to keep your vehicle locked. Leaving your keys in the ignition, or your vehicle running and unattended, is a summary offense in many Pennsylvania jurisdictions.
Approximately 20 cars in the greater Harrisburg area have been stolen within the last two weeks. So far, only about 4 of those vehicles have been recovered.
“We need car owners to understand these thefts are 100% avoidable,” says Cynthia Tolsma, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority. “This is a crime of opportunity, you may think it will never happen to you, but this monthʼs victims
will tell you – it does happen -- and itʼs a nightmare to have your car stolen, especially seconds before you head to work.”
ATPA recommends never leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition. If you are “warming up” your vehicle, do so only with a remote starter device that allows you to keep your vehicle locked. Leaving your keys in the ignition, or your vehicle running and unattended, is a summary offense in many Pennsylvania jurisdictions.