West Orange police are reminding residents that a running vehicle with the key in the ignition is an open invitation to thieves.
With the cold temperatures, WOPD has received multiple reports of vehicles being stolen, with the key in the ignition.
There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your car to an opportunistic thief:
STAY WITH THE CAR. It’s better to be cold for a few minutes in your car while it warms up than to be left in the cold when a thief drives it away.
LOCK THE DOORS. Use a second key to be able to lock the car after starting it.
GET A REMOTE STARTER. Remote starters are the safest, and only legal way to keep your car running while unattended. With the key out of the ignition, a thief can’t put the car in gear.