Do More Cars Get Stolen in the Winter?

Yes, they do. Car thieves see a lot of opportunities during the winter — stealing is easier and faster because car owners leave their vehicles running to warm up with the keys inside, police say.

In Austin, Minn., four vehicles have been reported stolen since last week, according to the Austin Post-Bulletin. According to an article in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, vehicles in driveways and day care centers in the Texas town have become easy targets because the unattended vehicles are frequently left running. Shopping centers, gyms, theaters and sporting events are popular, too.

Most crime rates are higher in the summer, but robberies seem to peak in the winter, according to Larry Siegel, a professor of criminal justice and criminology at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. According to Siegel, cold weather allows for greater disguise, and robbers may be attracted to the merchandise people are buying for the holiday season.

So take extra precaution against easy theft this winter. Law enforcement and insurance companies point out that even if the doors are locked, a window can easily be broken to gain access to a running vehicle, according to the Post-Bulletin. So it’s best to sit in your vehicle while it warms up, despite the inconvenience.

The Bulletin also points out that many car insurers won’t cover owner negligence, such as leaving your running vehicle unattended.

Cold Weather Could Lead to Stolen Cars (Austin Post-Bulletin)