Warming up your car before you head out? Here's how to make sure you're not a target for auto theft.

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With the bitter chill of the cold weather, it can be tempting to warm up your car before you head out – but London police has issued a warning to motorists that their warmup habits may have them left out in the cold.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, in January to June of 2023, Ontario saw a 31 per cent increase of auto thefts as compared to the same period the year prior.

It’s important to never leave your vehicle unattended when it’s running – thieves often look for targets of opportunity, and leaving your keys in your running car makes it a quick win for thieves.

If your car has a remote starter, use it! This means you can keep your car running (and heating up) while keeping it locked, and protecting your property.

If you don’t have a remote starter, stay inside your car while it warms up.