A concerning trend of vehicle thefts with children left unattended inside has prompted a safety advisory from Kids and Car Safety, especially as the holiday season approaches. The organization, which tracks such incidents, reported 11 cases over Thanksgiving alone, involving 17 children under 14. This brings the total for the year to a disturbing 107 children.

While most children are recovered safely, the emotional impact on families and the strain on law enforcement resources are significant, according to Janette Fennell, president of Kids and Car Safety. Tragically, two incidents this year resulted in fatalities as parents tried to intervene.

Colder weather tends to see a spike in these thefts, Fennell noted, emphasizing the need for increased awareness. The organization's data reveals a steady rise in incidents since 2012, with a peak of 265 in 2022 and a slight decrease to 162 in 2023.

Over Thanksgiving, three separate incidents occurred in New York City alone, and another in California involved three children. A recent case in Indianapolis on December 2nd saw a vehicle stolen with two infants, a 4-month-old and a 5-month-old, inside.

Kids and Car Safety stresses that these thefts can happen incredibly fast, even in safe neighborhoods, particularly when cars are left running or unlocked. Common locations include convenience stores, driveways, and places where people feel a false sense of security. Often, thieves are unaware of the child's presence until after the theft, leading to dangerous situations like children being abandoned on roadsides, high-speed chases, AMBER Alerts, and even crashes.

The organization urges parents and caregivers never to leave children unattended in a vehicle, even briefly. They recommend utilizing drive-thrus, curbside pickup, and calling ahead for assistance when shopping. Keeping car doors locked and keys in hand while pumping gas is also crucial. These precautions, Fennell emphasizes, can be life-saving.