Some locals emerged from their homes Tuesday to find a notice from law enforcement officials on the windshield of their running vehicles.
If residents didnt notice the officer placing the notice on the vehicle, they probably wouldnt have noticed a thief stealing their car.
State and local law enforcement are participating in a statewide program to place notices warning Coloradans that leaving their vehicles unattended and running in the cold winter months is an invitation to car thieves and vehicular burglars.
Nicknamed a puffer, an unattended vehicle with an exhaust plume catches the attention of a criminal who might steal the car or take the valuables from within, according to a news release from Coloradans Against Auto Theft.
Car break-ins also spike this time of year because thieves target retail areas looking for shopping bags stowed in cars, Carole Walker, CAAT co-chair, said in the release. We strongly advise you to hide your valuables in the trunk of your car so as not to garner unwanted attention from a would-be thief.
According to the release, it is illegal under Colorado revised statue to leave a vehicle running unattended, even if it is locked.
Local police say they are not fining people for violations just leaving the notices to warn them that they are at risk.
Most running vehicles stolen are left parked on the street, said Detective Lt. Jim Kingery of the Cortez Police Department. However, running vehicles parked in driveways also are at risk.
Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Matt Ozanic said he and two other troopers stationed in the area placed approximately 73 notices as of noon Tuesday.
More common in the area than auto thefts are vehicular burglaries, during which perpetrators steal valuables out of unattended vehicles. In many cases, burglarized vehicles are left unlocked.
Tips for preventing thefts include keeping your garage door closed, removing valuables from your vehicle, hiding valuables from view, parking in well-lit areas, not keeping spare keys on or in the vehicle, and being aware of your surroundings as well as suspicious behavior.
Participating agencies include the Colorado State Patrol, Cortez Police Department, Durango Police Department and Montezuma County Sheriffs Office.
More notices are expected to be placed in the coming weeks.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.
