The Knoxville Police Department is reminding citizens to lock their vehicles. 

The department also wants people to make sure their car is locked while they are letting their car warm up in the winter months. If your car does not have newer technology to do this or you only have one key, you should make sure to keep an eye on it. 

Earlier in 2024 the Knoxville Police Department took several reports of vehicle theft. The list included four vehicles that were taken from one location in town and left at another location, which does not fit the theft of a motor vehicle code, but is considered driving without the owner’s consent. Also included is one theft of a motor vehicle where the keys were left inside and the door was unlocked, one reported theft of a vehicle which potentially was related to insurance fraud, one motor vehicle theft where a vehicle was stolen from an area and located by Knoxville Police officers, and one report of driving without owner’s consent relating to a family issue with no criminal charges filed. 

Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller says it is always important to lock your vehicle, but also to not leave the keys inside. Fuller also says to not leave valuables in your car which can make you a target for theft.

“There is always, it doesn’t matter if it’s Knoxville or any other town in the United States of America, there are always people out there looking to take what is not theirs. We always recommend people securing their property and not leaving valuables inside their car. Even if they’re Christmas shopping, cover it up to make sure you are not making yourself a target.”

Hear more from Fuller on an upcoming Let’s Talk Knoxville.