Prince George’s County car thieves need just 20 seconds to ride off in stolen vehicle
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. - Prince George’s County police are warning residents that thieves need mere seconds to ride off in unlocked, unattended cars.
READ MORE: Thieves need mere seconds to steal your car, Prince George’s County police warn
In a new surveillance video released by the police, a driver exits his car and, 20 seconds later, a suspected thief drives off in it.
According to police, the number of "jump-in" car thefts has sky-rocketed in the county.
READ MORE: Would-be Virginia car thieves thwarted by inability to drive stick, police say
In 2021, police recorded 610 jump-in. By this time last year, there were 388, according to police.
Police are reminding people to take the following precautions:
- Never leave children in a vehicle running unattended
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- Push-to-start vehicles left running unattended can also be stolen
- Never leave your key fob in the vehicle
- Stay with your vehicle as you allow it to warm up