Minneapolis Police again urging people to not leave vehicles running unattended as auto thefts increase

Minneapolis Police are again reminding people to take your keys with you and to never leave them in an empty, running vehicle.

After police issued a reminder last month when an average of 13 vehicles were being stolen per day, police said that number has continued to increase.

In early Feb., an average of 17 vehicles per day are being reported stolen, with many of them having been left running and unoccupied.

Police: Car thefts up nearly 90% in Minneapolis over same time period last year

As of Feb. 11, 532 vehicles have been stolen this year, which averages out to about 12 per day, police said.

The department said Clear Channel Outdoors has donated billboard space around the city to help remind the public that "you hold the key to preventing auto theft."

Police also said many stolen vehicles are used in other crimes, with robberies, assaults and burglaries linked to having had stolen vehicles utilized in them.