Indianapolis, IN- The Indiana State Police warn motorists who experience mechanical problems on the interstate not to leave the vehicle unattended any longer than necessary.

According to Indiana State Police Indianapolis Commander, Lieutenant Jon Smithers, a recent trend has developed on the Indianapolis east side interstate system. Motorists experiencing problems have left their vehicles along the interstate and returned to find missing tires and rims. State Police have taken three theft reports of tire and rims off of abandoned vehicles within the last four days.

In order to combat these thefts and reduce the thieves’ available targets, troopers will be diligently towing abandoned vehicles when they reach the allotted time limits. Troopers will be checking abandoned vehicles at the beginning of each shift and observing for vehicles stopped with abandoned vehicles.

Abandoned vehicles on Interstates, US Highways and State Roads are required to be removed within 24 hours. Interstates inside I-465 have a two hour limit (by INDOT official action.) All other roads have 72 hours.

As in the past, if the Indianapolis District is expecting inclement weather, as is predicted this week, in order to aid INDOT with road cleaning and safety, ISP is authorized to remove all abandoned vehicles immediately if necessary.

Motorists observing what appears to be criminal activity along the interstate with abandoned vehicles are encouraged to call 911 or the Indiana State Police Indianapolis District at (317) 899-8577.

To read the Indiana Code for Tagging Abandoned Vehicle or Parts, visit: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title9/ar22/ch1.html