Dearborn PD warns of warming up cars unattended after thefts

DEARBORN, Mich. (WJBK) - When it's this cold outside, you might think it's a good idea to warm up your car before you have to go somewhere.

But Dearborn police say you shouldn't. Police Chief Ronald Haddad is alerting everyone after a rash of car thefts on New Year's Day.

"Citizens are leaving their cars running and unattended," Haddad said. "I know it's cold outside, it's a very dangerous move. You should never do that."

But people do it all the time especially in this bitter cold. they have to warm up their cars. Gail Mich says she got the chief's email and is already changing her habits.

"I was going to leave it running right now," she said. "But I'm not going to do that."

"I was kind of scared because usually this community is pretty safe," said Mo Cheaito. "Now I guess you have to think twice about it."

"That's why I don't leave my car unlocked or unattended," said Abbas Safieddine. "If I remote start it, I always look out the window and keep an eye on it."

Many people are relying on a remote starter for safety. As for police, they say they have some good leads.

"We're not going to rest until we bring them to justice," said Haddad.