Once the snow falls, cars that refuse to start, stranded motorists, and leaving cars running to defrost, all present opportunities for crime.
Car trouble is more prevalent in the cold, and being stuck with a car that won't start makes us vulnerable. This week, Minneapolis police are warning motorists to be on the look out for a man who initially pretended to help a woman start her car during the snow emergency, but then attacked her. After she was forced into the back seat of the car, she fought off her assailant and ran to safety. Minneapolis police has a list of personal safety tips and a roadside assistance program like AAA cost around $60 annually, and can come and jump start a car, or transport you and your car to a garage or safer location.
Every winter, drivers start their cars, leave them running to warm up, go inside to wait until the car is warm before starting their journey. And every year, car thieves steal them. Even if the car is locked, it's still easy for a thief to break in and drive away. Minneapolis police advises against leaving a car running unattended, which is actually illegal to do in Minneapolis. If you car is stolen with the keys in and the engine running, the Minneapolis Police Department will add insult to injury and give you a $34 ticket.
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