From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) would like to advise community members about increased auto thefts that occur when temperatures drop.
According to the BPD, during the cold winter months, some people leave their vehicles idling with the doors unlocked outside their homes to warm the interior.
“Some even leave their cars running while they make quick trips into local businesses such as convenient stores,” Sergeant Rodarius Mauldin said. “It takes less than five seconds for someone to steal your car in these circumstances. Often the thieves use the stolen cars to commit a host of other crimes.”
The Birmingham Police Department would like to urge the community to keep your cars secure and take extra precautions to safeguard your belongings.
“Don’t get left in the cold, lock your vehicles,” Mauldin said.