Cars left unattended, running with keys in ignition to blame for rash of thefts: police

ROCHESTER - In the wake of a rash of car thefts that began in October, Rochester Police are urging residents to be more vigilant about leaving cars unattended or with keys in the ignition.

The 11 thefts reported thus far don't appear to be any part of an organized group but more just crimes of opportunity, police say.

To not become a victim of this type of crime during the holiday season police suggest:

• LOCK your vehicle when it's not in use
• NEVER leave the keys inside an unattended vehicle
• DO NOT leave your engine running unattended (unless using a car starter)
• If using a remote car starter make sure all doors to the vehicle are locked when left unattended
• Report any suspicious activity to the police (examples could be someone looking into different car windows or checking for unlocked doors)

Police add that motorists could be fined for leaving a car unlocked and running while unattended.

"We know these steps might sound obvious to many but we often come across citizens with the mindset that it would never happen to them in their neighborhood," police said in a Facebook post warning of the dangers last week. "We do not want you to fall victim to this. Please practice these steps and be safe!"