Cars left unattended while warming easy targets, Prescott Valley police warn

When an unnamed driver left their vehicle unattended with the motor running in front of a Prescott Valley business around 8:10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, they came out to see their vehicle being driven from the parking lot.

The car was later recovered in Dewey, though the incident could have been avoided had proper precautions been taken, Prescott Valley Police Department Community Service Officer Jerry Ferguson said.

“On these cold winter mornings, it might seem like a good idea to start your car to let it warm up while you finish getting ready for work or school, but the Prescott Valley Police Department warns people to be extra careful if they do this,” Ferguson said. “Unattended cars warming in driveways and parking lots are easy targets for car thieves.”

Prescott Valley Police Chief Bryan Jarrell warns to use a secondary key to lock the vehicle if it’s going to be unattended while the engine is running. However, it’s safer to turn off the engine and lock the door, Jarrell said.

When parking your car, always roll up the window and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home and never leave valuable items visible in the vehicle, the news release states.

If anything suspicious in business parking lots or residential neighborhoods is observed, notify the Police Department immediately at 928-772-9267 for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies. Yavapai Silent Witness can be contacted at 1-800-932-3232.

Information and photo provided by the Prescott Valley Police Department.


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