Originally Posted by cj001f
A bit like someone leaving their Mercedes unlocked, with the keys in the ignition, in Compton, in the middle of the night, on purpose. Technically it may be "theft" - but they wanted it to be stolen.
At least in the Washington DC area, leaving your car running (like having it warm up in the driveway while you go back into the house for a few minutes and pack your lunch) is illegal and can be ticketed, and if your car is stolen, you are out of luck with your insurance company as you failed to reasonably secure your car against theft.