The Charles County Sheriff's Office is warning citizens it is not only illegal to leave your car unattended while the motor is running, but it presents an easy opportunity for a theft who wants to take your vehicle. However, many motorists continue to start their cars to let them warm up and then leave them unattended, a problem officers are going to begin combating by issuing citations to offenders.
Between 6:50 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 15, three cars were stolen from separate residences in Waldorf. A green 1994 Infinity 245 bearing Maryland Chesapeake Bay tag 73932CB was stolen from a residence in the 3000 block of Hollins Lane. A short time later, someone stole a 2006 gray Honda Civic bearing Maryland temporary tag 15435T. The last car stolen was a silver 2001 Acura RL bearing Maryland tag KXY673. In each instance, the owners of the vehicles started their car and went back inside the house for a few minutes, only to return to find their cars had been stolen.
"Leaving your vehicle unattended while the engine is running will either cost you a $60 fine or it will cost you your car when a thief takes it. Clearly, the best option is to brave the cold for a few minutes in the morning," said Charles County Sheriff Frederick E. Davis. "Car thieves know this time of year people are going to let their cars warm up in the morning. All they have to do is pick a neighborhood and they know they will find a car that is easy to steal. We can prevent that by taking the proper precautions."
The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about the Dec. 15 thefts to call 301-932-7777. Officer C. Gass is investigating.