Atlanta police warn drivers to not leave cars running after string of car thefts

ATLANTA — Atlanta police want to stop a rash of auto thefts in metro Atlanta and they have a message for car owners: Don’t leave your car running or leave the key fob inside.

During a late afternoon news conference Tuesday, police said there were eight recent thefts in Buckhead and at least five in midtown and downtown Atlanta.

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“It’s imperative that people take their key fob with them when they leave their vehicle,” said Atlanta police Deputy Chief Michael O’Connor.

They also said about 70% of auto thefts in metro Atlanta this year were cars with the key fobs inside.

“These crimes are on the rise in Atlanta and many of the cars stolen have been left running,” police said in a news release. “The Atlanta Police Department needs citizens to stop this reckless behavior.”

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