Pennington County Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to lock their car doors to prevent theft

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RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is advising county residents not to leave their vehicles unlocked and running as temperatures drop across the region.

Car thefts can spike in the winter months as cars left running and unattended present a crime of opportunity for thieves. County officials say thieves will target any vehicle – regardless of age or model – and stolen vehicles are often taken out of the area – making recovery difficult.

Deputy John Marcus Isakson with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said, “Unfortunately, oftentimes when we do recover vehicles that have been stolen they’re in very poor condition, or even we have to – they’re wrecked on the side of the road and that’s why we recover them.”

Deputy Isakson said it is best to sit with your vehicle as it warms up and safely driving a vehicle at lower speeds can help it warm up more quickly. He added if people want to warm up their cars safely, an automatic car starter that requires the keys inside the car to drive and allows the doors to be locked is a good option."