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Drivers Still Leaving Cars Running, And They're Still Getting Stolen: NYPD

By Katie Honan | January 19, 2017 3:16pm
 Don't leave your cars running and unattended, a precinct commander warns.
Don't leave your cars running and unattended, a precinct commander warns.
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JACKSON HEIGHTS — Drivers are continuing to make it easy for thieves to steal cars by leaving them unattended and running, according to an NYPD official. 

Over a 28 day period, between Dec. 20 and Jan. 17, 20 cars were stolen in Jackson Heights, Corona and East Elmhurst — compared with just five the same time last year, according to the 115th Precinct's commanding officer.

That's a 300 percent spike.

Of the 20 stolen cars, six had been left unattended and running when they were swiped — prompting a warning from Inspector Michele Irizzary for drivers to take their keys with them. 

"When you're cleaning off your car, when you're removing snow —please don't leave your car running and run back inside the house," she told residents at the precinct's monthly meeting.

"Please don't double park your car and run into the bank, into Dunkin Donuts. It's too easy a target."

She said people may be complacent with the city's lower crime numbers.

"It makes me think that people think that it's safe to do it," she said.

Careless drivers getting their autos stolen with keys in the ignition isn't new.

Three years ago, a snow drift was the only thing that stopped a thief from stealing a car left car running on 74th Street and 37th Road, according to the NYPD.

And the former commander of the 110th Precinct said the problem was so rampant, he vowed to ticket anyone who left their car running. 

"If your car's running, and my officers see it and they observe it for three minutes, they are going to write a summons." Deputy Inspector Ronald Leyson said at the time.

"And I do not feel bad for you."