Aurora Sees 80% Spike in ‘Puffing’ Car Thefts Amid Cold Weather
As freezing temperatures grip Colorado, police are urging drivers to think twice before leaving their cars running unattended—a practice known as “puffing.”
Car Thefts on the Rise
The Aurora Police Department has reported an 80% increase in puffing-related car thefts compared to early 2024. Between January and February 2025, there have been 30 reported cases, doubling the previous month’s total of 15 thefts.
“That number is probably going to go up in our next reporting period just because of the very cold days we are experiencing right now,” said Agent Matthew Longshore, a spokesperson for Aurora police.
What Is Puffing and Why Is It Illegal?
“Puffing” refers to leaving your car running unattended to warm it up. It’s particularly common on cold mornings when drivers want to defrost their windshields.
However, in Colorado, puffing is illegal unless you’re using a remote start system, which allows the car to run while remaining locked. If you leave the keys in the ignition and the car unlocked, you could receive a citation.
More Than Just Stolen Cars
Police say stolen puffing vehicles are often used to commit other crimes—not just joyrides.
“They’re not just stealing it and driving to work,” Longshore explained. “They’re stealing it with the intent of committing other crimes, whether it’s violent offenses or using the car as a battering ram to break into businesses. They don’t care what they do in the car because they don’t own it.”
How to Stay Safe
Instead of puffing, Aurora police and AAA recommend:
- Using remote start to warm up your car while keeping it locked.
- Sitting in the car while it warms up.
- Running the engine briefly to circulate oil, then driving normally while avoiding hard acceleration.
With car thefts on the rise, police urge residents to stay vigilant and avoid making their vehicles an easy target.
