Pueblo Police Department sounding the alarm about 'puffer' thefts
The Pueblo Police Department is warning members of the community that if they leave their vehicles running unattended to warm up during the winter months, they're creating an easy target for car thieves.
"Puffer" thefts occur when a vehicle is left running and unattended, often to warm up a vehicle as its owner prepares to leave.
Four puffer thefts were reported in Pueblo in November, said Meagan Chapman, Pueblo PD spokesperson. A total of 51 puffer thefts have been reported so far this year out of a total 1,551 reported auto thefts in Pueblo; 64 puffer thefts were recorded in 2021, according to Pueblo police data.
Leaving a vehicle unattended with its engine running isn't just dangerous, it can result in a municipal citation, Chapman said. The citation for an unattended motor vehicle, specifically failure to turn off the ignition or remove its keys, is $75 plus court fees, according to Pueblo Municipal Court's fines and fees schedule on the court's website.
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Pueblo is one of the top 10 cities in the country for auto theft per capita, according to a report from the Common Sense Institute, a "non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy." Pueblo ranks ninth in the U.S., behind No. 2 Denver, No. 3 Aurora and No. 8 Westminster.
While puffer thefts comprise just a small percentage of overall car thefts, Pueblo police have conducted several campaigns to raise awareness about the issue over the last several years, including holding annual "puffer weeks."
Pueblo PD conducts its annual awareness efforts because auto theft doesn't just hurt the victim, but the community at large, Chapman said.
"The victim loses their transportation to work, school, family priorities, grocery store, and so on," she said. "It’s stressful to have to deal with the insurance and could possibly cause a financial burden acquiring another vehicle, not to mention any valuables that were in the vehicle are also gone.
"It negatively impacts the community because stolen vehicles are often used in other crimes, such as drive-by shootings and robberies."
Chapman cited an incident that occurred earlier this week in which she said the driver of a stolen vehicle allegedly attempted to flee when contacted by police and injured one officer in the process.
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The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority also notes on its website, lockdownyourcar.org, that a stolen vehicle that's later recovered may not be in the same condition it was in before it was stolen.
"Some car thieves may use your car to commit other crimes, such as home burglaries, drug trafficking, and armed robberies," the CATPA website says. "In these cases, you may find drugs, drug paraphernalia, or evidence that your vehicle was used in other crimes. Some thieves may damage your car as a result of crashing into objects or getting into police pursuits. Some thieves may have used your car for parts – taking or dismantling mechanical, electrical or body parts."
While cars can still be stolen when they're not left running unattended, puffer vehicles create a crime of opportunity that can be prevented.
"By people taking the necessary or extra precautions to reduce the opportunity of their vehicle getting stolen, it helps create a safer community," Chapman said.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jayreutter1.
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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo puffer car thefts can be prevented, police say
