Puffer Cars
Nobody likes to get into a cold car! We’re more tempted in the winter time to let our cars run and warm up before we get in them. However, these “puffer cars” are an easy mark for thieves. Puffer cars are vehicles that are left unattended while running.
Motor vehicle theft is a serious issue in El Paso County and Puffer related motor vehicle thefts accounted for at least 158 stolen cars in Colorado in 2015. This kind of auto theft can happen anywhere.
Remember, it is illegal in the State of Colorado to leave a vehicle running while unattended and is a class B traffic infraction, which may result in a fine. For more information see C.R.S. 42-4-1206.
So, please don’t leave your vehicle unattended while running and never, ever leave a child alone in a running vehicle. Theft of Puffer cars only take seconds to complete.
This is part of a series of Crime Prevention videos from The El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Keep an eye out for more tips coming soon!
Produced by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Media Services Unit.