Nearly a dozen cars were stolen on Thanksgiving with children left in them, the car safety group warns

A children’s car safety group is warning parents not to leave their children unattended in their vehicles this holiday season after nearly a dozen cars were stolen on Thanksgiving with children left in them.

According to Kids and Car Safety, a group that collects data on car thefts involving children driving alone, there were 11 such incidents over Thanksgiving, involving 17 children under the age of 14. So far this year, 107 children have been left unattended in vehicles that were then stolen with them inside, according to data documented by the group, which also collects data on child deaths from hot cars.

While most victims eventually reunite 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, said Janette Fennell, president of Kids and Car Safety.

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A toddler who was in a carjacked SUV in 2016 was found unharmed in Baltimore City. In the picture, police officers can be seen at the spot where the baby and car seat were left. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Tragically, two cases this year resulted in deaths when parents tried to stop car thieves who had unknowingly taken their child, she said.

“With colder weather, we see a sharp increase in car thefts involving children left unattended in vehicles,” Fennell said. “This is a crucial 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.”

Fennell said the number of stolen cars with children left inside has steadily increased since the group first began collecting data in 2012, recording 68 stolen cars.

Then the numbers peaked at 265 in 2022 before falling to 162 in 2023, the group says.

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Three separate incidents occurred in New York City on Thanksgiving. In one case in California, a vehicle containing three children was stolen.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, a vehicle was reported stolen on Dec. 2 with a four-month-old and a five-month-old in the back seat.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, a vehicle was reported stolen on Dec. 2 with a four-month-old and a five-month-old in the back seat. (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.)

Even in the safest neighborhoods, car thefts can occur within seconds, especially if the vehicles are running or left unlocked, says Kids and Car Safety.

Most incidents occur in grocery stores, residential driveways and places where thieves know people feel safe leaving their vehicles temporarily unattended.

Many thieves often only notice the presence of a child in the vehicle after the vehicle has been stolen, which increases the risk. These cases often result in children being dumped on the side of the road and even high-speed chases, AMBER alerts and accidents, the group says.

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Child sits in car seat (Child and car safety)

Kids and Car Safety says children should never be left alone in a car – even for a minute. The group also advises parents to use drive-thru or curbside pickup services whenever possible and to call for help in advance when going to stores. She points out that many companies are happy to accommodate families with small children.

The group also advises parents to keep car doors locked and keys with them when pumping gas with children in the vehicle.

“These simple steps can save lives and ensure your holidays stay safe and joyful,” says Fennell.