The unseasonably warm weather was expected to leave Kansas City on Monday when a cold front moves through.
It’s a reminder that we all face months of chilly mornings, icy windshields and the long wait for the heater to kick in while in our cars.
Almost all of us have faced the same temptation to start the car while we escape back into our warm houses.
But here’s the thing: in some cities, that is illegal. And in all cities, it can lead to the vehicles being stolen.
The Lawrence Police Department is aiming to avoid that situation. On Monday, it tweeted a pledge for people to sign. Clearly, it was done in good humor, because this is what people are asked to agree to:
I pledge to not leave my car running with the keys in the ignition just because I’m afraid of being a little cold for the first 3 minutes of my drive to work/school, or because I am too lazy to scrape the windows. I realize that breaking this pledge will undoubtedly result in my car being stolen by some jackwagon who will trade it for a fentanyl lollipop.
Please see the attached pledge form before winter arrives later this week. Otherwise you'll probably get your car stolen. pic.twitter.com/D776KWxP6k
— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) December 4, 2017
Pre-emptive answer to question we're always asked: Remote starts are exempt from the law prohibiting this practice. As long as you don't also leave the keys in the car.
— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) December 4, 2017
By the way, the police department said it wasn’t trying to be offensive when it mentioned the fentanyl lollipop.
it's about people who thieve to sustain a drug habit, not people with legitimate medical needs. Sorry for not being clearer and for unintentionally offending.
— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) December 4, 2017
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
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