INDIANA – As car thefts with children alone spike during the holiday season, kids and Car Safety calls on families to remain vigilant and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even momentarily.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday break, Kids and Car Safety documented 11 incidents involving children left alone in vehicles that were subsequently stolen. These alarming incidents are part of a troubling trend. So far, in 2024, 107 children have been left unattended in vehicles that were subsequently stolen with them inside, according to data documented by Kids and Car Safety.
While most victims are eventually reunited with their families, the trauma of these events can be devastating, leaving emotional scars on children and families while placing significant demands on law enforcement. Tragically, two cases this year resulted in fatalities when parents attempted to stop car thieves who had unknowingly taken their children.
“With colder weather, we see a sharp rise in car thefts involving children left unattended in vehicles,” said Janette Fennell, president of Kids and Car Safety. “This is a critical moment to raise awareness. Parents and caregivers need to understand how quickly these preventable tragedies can occur. Together, we can prevent these avoidable situations and protect our loved ones.”
Even in the safest neighborhoods, car thefts can happen in seconds, especially when vehicles are left running or unlocked. Most incidents happen at convenience stores, residential driveways, and places where thieves know people feel safe leaving their vehicles momentarily unattended. Often, many thieves are unaware a child is inside until after the vehicle has been taken, compounding the danger. These cases commonly result in children being dumped on the side of a roadway and even high-speed chases, AMBER Alerts, and crashes.
To help educate communities, Kids and Car Safety has released a powerful public service announcement (PSA) video. The video captures the urgency of these situations and is a vital resource for spreading awareness. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to share this PSA widely to help prevent these traumatic incidents.
Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers: Never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle—even for a minute. Use drive-thru or curbside pickup services whenever possible. Call for assistance; most businesses are happy accommodating families with young children. Keep car doors locked and keys with you when pumping gas with children.
“These simple steps can save lives and ensure your holiday season remains safe and joyful,” said Fennell.
Visit the Kids and Car Safety website for more information about the risks of leaving children alone in vehicles and additional safety tips.
