OKC Police: Recent Car Theft Should Serve As Warning

Oklahoma City police said car owners should beware this time of year because car thieves are hard at work during the winter months.

Monday, February 28th 2011, 12:03 pm

By: News 9

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City police said car owners should beware this time of year because car thieves are hard at work during the winter months.

In January, a man stole a car left running outside a convenience store at 3700 N. Portland. The same suspect shoplifted several items from the store before stealing the car. Police have released video of the crime, hoping it will lead to tips about the man's identity. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (405) 235-7300.

Watch video of the suspect shoplifting and stealing a car.

Car thefts increase dramatically in the winter months because running vehicles are left unattended. Police said it only takes seconds for a thief to steal the car, but it takes the same amount of time for a car owner to switch off the engine and take the keys with them.