Police Warn About Vehicle "Puffing" In Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — With the arrival of cold temperatures, it's tempting to let the car warm up outside the house or a business. But Bucks County police are warning drivers that "thieves will easily take advantage of a puffer."

According to police, a puffer is a car that’s left running, unlocked, and unattended. The "puff, puff" of the exhaust pipe is a smoke signal to a thief or joy rider that they could easily steal the vehicle.

Police recommend freezing the thieves and joy riders out by following these simple steps:

• Start your car with a remote starter that requires the car to be locked.
• Approach your car with caution, scanning the area and walking quickly, in case someone is eyeing your return.
• Do not sit and text in your vehicle. Get moving.
• Do not leave your vehicle puffing at a mini-mart or convenience store. It's a quick and easy target.

Police said newer models are desirable for joy rides or for organized theft rings and transport to other areas or overseas.

Older models are very valuable for the parts. "Your car is probably worth more chopped to pieces than intact," police said.

"Freeze out the thieves and joy riders! Stay safe and protect your ride," police said.