OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — One Omaha man is out thousands of dollars worth of tools after his truck was stolen. The way it was stolen however, is prompting a warning from law enforcement.
"Less than 30 seconds and your car could be gone," said Officer Joe Nickerson with the Omaha Police Department. That man had his truck stolen at a gas station off 132nd back on October 16th. He left it running, unlocked, and unattended as he went inside the gas station. A suspect walked up and just seconds later and stole the truck. "Thieves literally just wait around at those convenience stores and jump in cars when they see people do that," said Nickerson.
This is a common problem for O.P.D. when people warm up their car and leave it unattended or leave it running and unlocked at places like gas stations and grocery stores. Even if your car isn't stolen, it can still lead to consequences.
"In the state of Nebraska, if you're leaving your vehicle running or puffing as it sometimes called, if you leave it on public street you can be cited for having an unattended vehicle," said Nickerson.
Tips to keep in mind, lock your car while you go inside the store, stay inside your car while you warm it up, or invest in the proper remote start. "Be sure if you get a remote start, or after market part be sure it's one that disables the engine if it drives off without a key," said Nickerson.
The victim in the incident was uninjured. Omaha Police are still looking for the suspect, if you have any information on this stolen truck contact Omaha Crime Stoppers.
