YPD Warns of Warmup Auto Thefts — Keep Your Car Safe

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Vehicle theft is one problem that just won't go away in the city of Yakima. Every winter the theft rates shoot up dramatically because of what police call warmup auto thefts. In 2018 more than 450 vehicles were stolen within Yakima city limits, and many of the vehicles were taken while they were warming up in the driveway.  Authorities say many times the stolen vehicles are then used in other crimes.
Officers say if you leave your car running in the street or driveway to warm up, you're just risking getting your car stolen. They say if you need to warm up your car buy a remote starter or get an extra set of keys and lock the doors. Police say it is legal to warm up your unlocked vehicle on your private property, but it's not smart.
Hundreds of vehicles are stolen within Yakima city limits every year and many of the thefts happen during the fall and winter months.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you get your car running -- securely -- on a cold morning: