Change in weather impacts car thefts, Delaware police warn

NEW CASTLE (WPVI) -- With autumn in full swing and temperatures winding down, police say weather can have an impact on car thefts.

This time of year it is common for a driver to go outside on a frosty morning to start their car to let it warm up, and then head back inside, all while leaving the car with its keys ripe for the taking, police said.

This month alone, New Castle police tell Action News five times cars were stolen while left running.

"People want to get into a warm car, which I understand" said Officer Thomas Jackson. "Unfortunately, when you go out there and you start the car and leave keys in it, it's a crime of opportunity for someone walking past that may need a ride somewhere."

Emily Dominick of New Castle, who spoke to us on Friday while standing next to her rental car, knows all too well the consequences of said habits.

Last week she had jumped into her 2006 Lexis, and performed what she said is a 16-year ritual.

"I just started my car up, went back inside, put my shoes on, my jacket on, grabbed my purse, and I literally came back out the door and it was gone," said Dominick.

Using the GPS on her cell phone, Dominick tracked down her car, which is now in the repair shop.

A few blocks away, Action News spoke with Chadd Wolfe while he was cleaning his "four-wheel pride and joy". He said he has a similar habit.

"Especially when it's colder outside, leave that on, go run inside, wait for it to warm up, come back out and leave," said Chadd Wolfe of New Castle.

Wolfe said while he never thought something like that would happen in his neighborhood, he will now he will think twice.

Dominick also told us she has learned her lesson. Never again will she leave her car unlocked and running.