Car thieves were busy over the weekend in Sioux Falls because some residents are still not locking their car doors.

"We had 15 stolen vehicles in three days. Most of these vehicles (if not all of them) were unlocked with the keys in the car," said Sgt. Shaun Olson of the Sioux Falls Police Department. "Most often the cars were running to warm them up. Last year, the first 17 days of the year we had a total of 12 stolen vehicles. This year up to this point we have 37 already."

Olson has this message for Sioux Falls drivers:

"Make sure the vehicles are secure. If you are starting the vehicles, make sure that they are locked or you have another way to get inside. Keep your eyes on the vehicle if it's running."

Olson says one of the stolen cars had a firearm inside.

According to some law enforcement agencies, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars.


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