BOISE - When you take your first step outside into those freezing early hours, figuring out the fastest way to heat up your morning commute, might be the only thing on your mind.

But Boise police Lt. Tony Plott says if that means leaving your keys in the ignition to warm up while you go back inside, think again.

"What we're asking the public to do is be aware that a running car could be a target for someone who needs a car, needs a ride," Plott said.

Boise resident David Oster says he's witnessed some close calls.

"We learned in a place we used to live, that's not good policy," Oster said. "People will come and steal it."

That's exactly what happened in Boise earlier this week. Two cars were stolen on two different days after the owners left them running.

Both suspects were arrested, and 2 News talked with one owner, Darlene Potvin, who was thrilled to be reunited with her white Pontiac.

"I started to warm it up a little bit and I said OK Justin, let's go," Potvin said. "Then it was gone."

Lt. Plott says leaving your car running while no one is inside, is not only an opportunity for thieves but dangerous and against the law.

"It can overheat, if you've got heating problems," Plott said. "Or a child could get in the car and inadvertently put it in gear."

"I used to do that all of the time," Potvin said."Boy I'll never do that again."

A lesson Potvin learned the hard way, stepping away for even a second isn't worth the risk of not having a ride at all.

Lt. Plott says a better alternative to leaving your freezing car unattended, is to scrape your windows off and then sit inside with the heat on until it's comfortable to drive.