Leaving unattended car running could bring fine in Springfield

Due to the number of cars being stolen while unattended and running, the Springfield Police Department will start enforcing municipal ordinance 106-33.

“No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the key," the ordinance says.

Enforcement of this ordinance involves a municipal ticket with up to a $1,000 fine.

In 40 percent of the reported vehicle thefts in the city in 2016, car keys were left in the vehicle, or the car was left running and unattended.

"We want to encourage all citizens to be mindful of the security of their automobiles. Please lock your cars, roll up your windows and do not leave valuable items in view, and especially, please do not leave vehicles running and unattended," said Springfield Police Lt. Grant Dorrell in a news release.