DSP asking public not to leave cars unattended and idling

DELAWARE – Delaware State Police are asking the public not to leave their vehicles unattended while they’re running. Police say they’ve seen an up tick in vehicle thefts at gas stations. They say those thefts usually involve a vehicle that was left by itself unattended, idling, and unlocked. Police say thieves will usually look for vehicles left running and unoccupied when the driver runs into a store to make a quick purchase. After that, police say it’s as easy as walking up to the car and driving away.

On top of that risk, leaving a vehicle unattended and idling is actually against Delaware State Law. Title 21 Section 4182 of state law states, “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 and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.” The first time you’re caught doing this, you could face a fine between $25 and $75.

Police say the suspects in the most recent cases of this type of theft appear to be juvenile males.