St. Pete Representative Wengay Newtown is pushing to punish drivers who leave their cars unlocked and running.
- Proposed legislation to punish drivers who leave cars unlocked, running
- Drivers could face criminal charges
- Legislation meant to curb ongoins vehicle thefts
And not just a small fine, people would face criminal charges.
Representative Newtown said it's an amendment to an already existing law, which is a traffic citation.
He said it is to help curb the ongoing thefts with teens stealing cars.
"What I'm trying to do is heighten the awareness that you need to lock your cars and you need to take the keys. If we do that, these young people wouldn't be able to get to it," Newtown said.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri opposes the proposed legislation, saying the victims of crime should not be punished.
Monday, Dec. 11, the Department of Juvenile Justice will propose changes that would mean car thieves are more likely to face more severe consequences.
Gualtieri is also on that committee.