Sunnyside police will issue tickets to drivers caught leaving cars to warm up unattended

David Mann by David Mann

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — The Sunnyside Police Department says it will begin issuing tickets to drivers who leave their cars to warm up unattended with the key in the ignition.

Police said Wednesday that they’ve received several reports of stolen cars over the past couple days. They said part of the spike is related to people leaving their cars unattended in the cold, snowy weather.

“Criminals are out there watching and take advantage of these opportunities,” police wrote on Facebook.

Police are asking drivers not to leave the car running unattended unless there’s a remote start option that prohibits the car from being driven without the key.

“Our officers will be on the lookout for these cars and will be issuing tickets to their owners,” police wrote. “A ticket is better than a stolen car.”