DOVER — Delaware State Police Monday warned the public about leaving their cars unattended and unlocked while idling.
Criminal investigative units, a news release said, have recently been handling numerous vehicle thefts occurring throughout Delaware. A large majority of the thefts have occurred at gas station and convenience store parking lots where a vehicle was left unattended, idling and unlocked.
Victims often leave their car running while they go into a store to make a purchase, police said. Investigations show that suspects will specifically look for and target unattended vehicles idling in parking lots.
Delaware Code covering an unattended motor vehicle states that “No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon.”
For a first offense, a fine of $25 to $75 can be imposed.
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