ODESSA, TX (KWES) - With Fall just around the corner, the Odessa Police Department would like to remind the public that car thieves will be looking for vehicles to steal. Car thieves will be driving around during the early morning hours and targeting motorists who are "warming up" their vehicles.
The vast majority of stolen vehicles are occurring as a result of either keys left in the ignition or spare keys left inside the vehicle. So far during 2018, over 250 vehicles have been reported stolen and OPD issued over 100 citations for "Park without Locking Ignition, Removing Keys, Stopping Engine & Setting Brakes".
Auto Theft Prevention Tips:
1) Avoid leaving or hiding spare keys in your vehicle.
2) It is illegal to leave your keys in the ignition with the engine running & vehicle left unattended. Doing this can result in a fine of up to $140.
3) Some insurance companies will not cover your vehicle if it is stolen as result of this happening.
4) It is legal to leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running if you use a remote start device.
5) Report all suspicious activity, suspicious persons, and suspicious vehicles to OPD.
