NEWARK, NJ — It only takes seconds for a car thief to swipe your vehicle. And one of your best defenses against thefts is also one of the easiest, Newark police say: Don’t leave it running when you’re away.

With several high-profile car thefts and carjackings recently making headlines in New Jersey’s largest city, Newark police are reminding local vehicle owners about some easy ways to help protect their investment – and the safety of their loved ones.

Think it won’t happen to you? Think again, authorities say: about one of five stolen cars in Newark is left running. In addition, about 11 percent of carjackings in the city happen when vehicle owners leave their engines idling, police say.

Although property crimes reportedly remain at historical lows in the city, there are no shortage of recent stories that involve car thefts and running vehicles in Newark.

In July, two people carjacked a vehicle with an 11-year-old girl inside. The car’s owner allegedly left it running with her daughter in the back seat while she went into a nearby store, police said. Read More: Men Carjack Vehicle With Child Inside; Newark Cops Search For Suspects

A similar incident took place in 2017. Newark police said the carjacking – which took place with a two-year-old child still inside – was “preventable” because the girl’s mother allegedly left the vehicle unattended and running at the time it was taken. Read More: NJ Mother Left Child Inside Vehicle, Then It Got Carjacked: Cops

Newark police issued a safety update earlier this week on social media. It read:

“The Newark Police Division cautions drivers to refrain from leaving your vehicle running and unattended. It only takes seconds for a thief to enter your vehicle and drive away. This is a crime of opportunity that may lead to your car being used to commit a more serious violent crime. Kindly secure your vehicle at all times by turning off the ignition, locking your car, and taking the keys with you, even when stopping to run a quick errand.”

Here are some easy tips to follow if you own a car, Newark police said:

• Lock your car doors
• Do not leave your car unattended warming up
• Do not leave valuables in view
• Remove the valet key from the glove compartment

People can contact the Newark Police Department’s 24-hour crime stopper tip line at 1-877-695-8477 to report suspicious activity, authorities said.

In recent months, Newark community service officers have been handing out free anti-theft locks to local residents who own Kias or Hyundais after a series of social media “challenges” targeted these models for thefts. Read More: Newark Cops Hand Out Anti-Theft Devices To Reduce Car Thefts

Need more motivation to remember to turn your car off? Watch the below video from Sgt. Damaris Febus, recently shared by the Newark Department of Public Safety.

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