The Duluth Police Department warns people of a possible uptick in car break-ins and thefts as the weather gets colder.

"Crimes of this nature seem to increase at certain points of the year," said Ingrid Hornibrook, the Public Information Officer for the department.

Between January and February last year, there were nearly 100 reports of car theft in the city of Duluth.

"It's a crime of opportunity,” said Hornibrook, “A thief can get in and get out really quick. Typically when we see vehicle thefts it’s that the car is running and the keys are in it and it’s unlocked and unoccupied"

This is a situation that’s quite normal during the winter, explained Hornibrook, as many people warm their cars up in the morning or leave them running when they go into stores quickly during the winter.  

It’s these public areas where most the thefts occur according to Hornibrook.

"Really the hotspots do tend to be in the more concentrated areas of the city. Again, it’s a crime of opportunity so where there's areas of a lot of cars is where we tend to see our hot spots," said Hornibrook.

To prevent theft, Hornibrook suggests it is best to simply not make a vehicle an easy target.  People should stay with their cars while they’re warming up, always take keys and lock up when leaving their vehicles, and keep all valuables out of view.

If a person’s car is stolen, they should call 911 or report the theft online.
 

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-Tv website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/winter-car-theft/5998112/?cat=10335