Crime & Safety

Harford County Sheriff's Office Cracks Down on Unattended Vehicles

Drivers in Maryland cannot leave their cars running unattended.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that it will be cracking down on drivers who leave their vehicles unattended with their engines running.

Deputies will conduct random patrols with a focus on shopping areas, convenience stores and residential communities, according to a statement from the sheriff's office, which said the targeted enforcement effort began last week and will continue through the winter months.

“Maryland law prohibits drivers from leaving a vehicle unattended until the engine is stopped, the ignition locked and the key removed," Sgt. Dawn Wolf, supervisor of the property crimes unit with the sheriff's office, said.

“We understand it is convenient for people to leave the engine idling and run into a store for a quick errand or cup of coffee," Wolf said, "but while making it convenient for yourself, you are also making it very convenient for the thief who wants to steal your car."

The initiative is a proactive measure to reduce vehicle thefts.

In more than 50 percent of cases, the driver has made an error like leaving the keys in the vehicle or not putting up the windows, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Police can issue a traffic citation to any driver found in violation and if found guilty, drivers could face a fine of $70 and one point on their driving records.


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