Medford Police (MPD) say as tempting as it is to let your car warm up while you’re getting ready for the day, don’t do it. Vehicles left unlocked and unattended while warming up are easy targets for car thieves.
Yesterday morning, MPD responded to two incidents in south Medford of vehicles being stolen while warming up in the driveway. The suspect stole the first vehicle but was unable to get the emergency brake to disengage, so she dumped that vehicle and found the second one close by. The suspect stole the second vehicle and fled the area.
Patrol was able to locate the second vehicle a short time later in the parking lot of a local business. The vehicle was unoccupied, and patrol set up surveillance until the suspect returned to the vehicle. At that time, patrol arrested the suspect and lodged her at the jail. Both cars were recovered and both cases were cleared.
MPD wants to remind the public that the number one way thieves enter cars is through unlocked doors. Vehicle break-ins occur on a regular basis around the city, and officers take reports every year of presents being stolen out of vehicles during the holiday season.
In addition, firearms are also stolen from vehicles, which increases the risk to the community and police officers. Police ask gun owners to not leave any firearms in the vehicle.
Source: MPD
