DENVER — Police in Denver say they have noticed a rise in car thefts in the northeast area of the city due to puffing. Since November, thieves have stolen 70 unattended cars left running.

It’s illegal for drivers to leave cars unattended for more than five minutes, and in a half an hour Tuesday morning, police were able to track down eight violators.

Police did not issue citations but warned violators on the dangers of puffing in hopes of spreading awareness.

Police say cars thefts that occur as a result of leaving a car unattended is preventable and gives criminals an easy opportunity for theft.

