Sandy City Warns of Rising Vehicle Theft During Dropping Temperatures

In a notice posted to the Sandy City website, officials warned that dropping temperatures correlate with a sharp rise in auto thefts. The city noted that every year, the Sandy Police Department sees an increase in vehicle thefts as colder temperatures appear.

The notice advises against leaving running vehicles unattended, even when attempting to warm up a car. Thieves may take advantage of drivers who leave vehicles running to avoid cold interiors. Even with locked doors, criminals can gain access by breaking a window. Additionally, the notice mentions that criminals often use stolen vehicles to commit crimes and that insurance companies may not cover losses where negligence is a factor.

The city also highlighted that idling a vehicle for long periods is illegal under the Sandy City idle-free ordinance. Passed on March 27, 2018, Ordinance 18-10 amended the city's traffic code to prohibit drivers from allowing a vehicle's engine to idle on public property or on private property open to the general public within city limits. This ordinance was intended to help improve air quality in the valley.

While many newer vehicles feature auto-start functions that may reduce theft, the city recommends using these features wisely. Residents are encouraged to refrain from idling to reduce both theft risks and emissions.