ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

Cold mornings often tempt drivers to start their cars and head back inside while the engine warmed up, but in Albuquerque, that quick comfort can come at a steep price.

In 2023, police reported 110 vehicles stolen while idling in driveways and parking lots. Thieves only need seconds to jump in and drive off.

KOAT crime expert Paul Szych said it's a common winter problem that is entirely preventable.

“It really didn't matter where a vehicle was. If it was warming up, and somebody was driving in the neighborhoods, whether in an apartment complex or residential area, they didn’t care,” Szych said. “They were looking for us to have our guard down, to be a little lazy and that’s when they acted.”

Experts recommended remote start systems or aftermarket devices that allow

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