Columbus police want to warn you that there have been several vehicles stolen recently, after being left to warm up in the morning.

The police department reports that several times in January, a vehicle’s owner left the car running to warm up and when they went back outside, their car was gone.

Police say that you should not make it easy on would-be car thieves. Do not leave your car running with the keys in it. Also don’t leave your laptop, purse or other valuables in an unlocked car. And if you have firearms in a vehicle, make sure they are secured. You should not leave them in a vehicle overnight. Instead, always take them inside with you.