Public Safety issues reminder: Don't leave keys in the ignition
From Public Safety
It has been a long-standing policy of the St. Paul Police Department to cite owners and drivers of vehicles if they leave the keys in the ignition under city ordinance 157.10 subd a.
The ordinance in part reads, "No person shall leave a motor vehicle, except a commercial motor vehicle, unattended on any street, alley, used car lot or unattended parking lot without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and taking it with him … ."
As in past years, the number of auto thefts has increased with the cold weather. Citizens should be aware that it is illegal to leave a vehicle running with keys in the ignition. These owners are likely to receive the citation listed above and, worse yet, are taking the chance of having their vehicle stolen.
Vehicles with remote starting devices are not included in this risk because engines automatically shut off if tampered with, and when the gear is shifted without having a key in the ignition.
