Sioux Falls Police are alerting residents that thieves are targeting cars being left warming up.

"On Tuesday we had three different cars that were warming up. All of them were stolen. One of them was actually in a garage warming up. This was about 10:00 PM Tuesday night. Officers found the vehicle nearby," said Public Information Officer Sam Clemens.

 

"They discovered it was a 13-year-old boy was driving it. He was arrested for burglary and grand theft charges. The others we haven't found yet."

Clemens urges residents to use common sense in an effort to prevent this crime of opportunity.

"It's fine to warm up your car. But make sure the car is locked. That will help but won't prevent the car from being stolen. You have to keep an eye on it. You have to realized this could take 30 seconds or less. The time you turn your back and walk away somebody can jump in the car and drive away."

If you prefer, Clemens suggested installing a remote start in your vehicle.



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