Muskego's Cold Temps Present a Unique Crime Opportunity

Unless you have the luxury of a remote control start, you may be better off waiting for your car to heat up while you're sitting in it, say police.

"Nobody hates getting into a cold car any more than I do.  I kick myself every winter for not paying extra for the remote start, which allows you to start your car from the comfort of the warm indoors and get into a nice, toasty car," said Lt. Dave Constantineau. "The best part is that it allows you to keep your car locked, and it usually cannot be operated until the key is in, or at least in close proximity to the car."

The option that many of us are left with is to start the car, and walk back into the house while the engine - and the car's interior - is nice and toasty. 

However, the latter option also leaves cars ripe for theft. While Muskego has never had a big problem with car thefts, said Constantineau, "they always seem to go up in the metro area when the temperature goes down, and it is directly related to people leaving their cars running to warm up in the cold.  Even if you drive an… ahem, less than desirable vehicle, remember that these thefts are usually a crime of opportunity." 

In other words, while thieves generally don’t walk around looking for someone to leave their Lexus running so they can take it, if they are out, and they are cold,  you have provided them with a mode of transportation and a way to stay warm. 

To add insult to injury, it is against Muskego city ordinance to leave the keys in your vehicle. 

"While I don’t think any of our officers would be quite so heartless as to kick you when you are down, your insurance company might not be very happy with you," he pointed out. 

As unappealing as it may be on a weekday morning where the temps are hovering around zero, it may also mean the difference between having a vehicle and having to walk to work.