‘Puffer’ vehicles may be targets for thieves, police warn

PITTSBURGH — While in the midst of winter, it’s tempting to let your car warm up while you continue with your morning routine, so it’s nice and warm when it’s time to leave the house.

One local police department warns that thieves can easily take advantage of “puffer” cars, or vehicles left running, unlocked and unattended. The Bellevue Borough Police Department says puffs of smoke coming from an exhaust pipe can be a signal to potential thieves.

The department says there are ways to warm up your car safely. You can use a remote starter that requires the vehicle to be locked. Even so, when approaching an already started car, Bellevue police urge caution in case someone is waiting nearby.

Bellevue police urge against leaving a vehicle puffing at a mini-mart or convenience store, saying those locations are easy targets. The department also urges drivers to leave immediately after getting inside the vehicle.

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