Cpl. Teresa Fuller
Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 9:48 p.m.
The Spokane Police Department is reminding drivers not to leave their vehicles running and unattended.
As we approach the cold winter months in Spokane, the Spokane Police Department is asking for your help in preventing car thefts. Every year we receive numerous reports of vehicles stolen while warming up, but unoccupied. The citation for Unattended Motor Vehicle is $136.
Already in the last two weeks, four vehicles have been stolen, either with the keys left inside the vehicle or while warming up with the keys in the ignition. Most vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity, so don't give the thieves the opportunity to steal, crash, or dismantle your car. We commonly hear of vehicles stolen while left running and unattended at homes, gas stations, convenience stores and ATMs.
The best way to approach cold morning commutes is to start the vehicle and remain with it while using a scraper to remove frost from windows.
Residents should also use the following tips to help prevent the theft of vehicles, which represent a relatively large investment for most people:
For in progress crimes and emergencies call 911
To report a non-emergent crime contact:
To provide crime activity or suspect information that doesn't require immediate action contact:
For general police email contact:
eraspdweb@spokanepolice.org
For nuisance reports, including code violations (i.e. illegal camping, substantial litter in yards or alleys, graffiti, land use violations), parking complaints, and road condition issues contact:
Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
jhumphreys@spokanepolice.org