With the cold winter months upon us, many of us start up our car prior to embarking on our travels. Who wouldn’t enjoy getting into a warm car as you drive the kids to school or activities, head to work, go to the grocery store and venture on other daily tasks that do not stop due to the weather.

Some people also choose to leave the car running and unattended while we go into gas stations or convenience stores for morning coffee. While it is completely understandable that nobody is raising their hand to get into a cold car, people who leave their vehicles running are increasing the likelihood of them being stolen.

Each winter season, the Geneva Police Department and other police agencies in our area receive reports of vehicles being stolen while they are left running, unlocked and unattended. This is a crime of opportunity that can be prevented by simply turning off your car, taking the keys and locking the car doors.

In addition, it is a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code to leave a car running and unattended. The exception to this is a locked vehicle that is started by a remote starter system.

Thank you for partnering with the Geneva Police Department to assure our community remains safe and to lessen the likelihood of becoming the victim of a crime.

Eric Passarelli
Geneva Police Chief