The Kettering Police Department issued a public safety alert on Wednesday, urging residents to take simple steps to protect their vehicles after a recent string of thefts. According to a police‑issued social‑media post, twelve cars were reported stolen last month, and seven of those incidents involved owners leaving their keys inside the vehicle.

Why the surge matters

With colder weather on the way, more drivers are likely to warm up their cars before heading to work or school. Police officials caution that this habit can create an easy opportunity for thieves who spot an unattended vehicle with the ignition ready to go.

Police recommendations

• Always lock your vehicle, even if you are only stepping away for a few minutes.
• Never leave keys in the car, especially when the engine is running or the doors are unlocked.
• If you need to warm up your vehicle, keep the keys with you and lock the doors before stepping out.
• Consider using a steering‑wheel lock or a visible anti‑theft device to deter would‑be thieves.

Chief of Police Mike Reynolds emphasized that these precautions are low‑cost, high‑impact measures that can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a theft. “A simple habit like taking your keys with you can stop a criminal in his tracks,” Reynolds said.

Community response

Local residents have expressed concern but also appreciation for the department’s proactive outreach. “I always thought I was being careful, but I’ll definitely double‑check my keys from now on,” said longtime Kettering homeowner Linda Harper. Neighborhood associations are also planning to distribute reminder flyers and host a short safety workshop at the community center next week.

What to do if you’re a victim

If your vehicle is stolen, report the incident immediately to Kettering Police at 419‑555‑1234 or via the department’s online reporting portal. Provide the police with the vehicle’s make, model, color, license‑plate number, and any distinguishing features. Prompt reporting increases the chances of recovery and helps law enforcement track patterns.

Looking ahead

The department will continue to monitor the situation and increase patrols in areas where thefts have been reported. Officers are also working with local businesses to install additional surveillance cameras in high‑traffic parking lots.

For ongoing updates, residents can follow the Kettering Police Department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or sign up for the WHIO‑TV Daily Headlines newsletter for real‑time alerts.

Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.