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Sandra Yi ReportingOn a cold night like tonight, the idea of sitting in a cold car just doesn't sit well. So many people will turn it on, and then go do something else. Police warn us against it all the time, but people still aren't listening.
Alex Morris: "On my street, I see it every morning."
Alex Morris says he's smarter than that, though.
Alex Morris, Midvale Resident: "I can't imagine anyone leaving their car vulnerable like that."
But for whatever reason, many car owners take the chance. In fact, an Eyewitness News Photographer got video of car after car, after car this morning, all left running and unattended on a Salt Lake City street.
Det. Kenny Bass, Murray Police Dept.: "It was almost guaranteed every day that when it was cold, we'd hear somewhere in the valley, someone had left one running in their driveway and it was stolen."
Taylorsville Police say this week they helped recover nine stolen cars. All but two were stolen after thieves spotted them left running. Police say the same group of people were behind all the thefts.
Last month Jimmy Castro was shot when he confronted a teenager trying to steal his Jeep warming up in his driveway.
Kenny Bass: "I think a lot of times it's a crime of opportunity. They need a ride or want a ride and see that it's there."
This man offered advice, police say, is best.
Christian Poulsen, Magna Resident: "I always just start it and it in there while it does warm up."
Police say leaving your car running -- even with the doors locked -- is still risky because someone can just break the window. They recommend anti-theft devices or a remote car starter, which won't allow thieves to get away with the car.
