Duluth police are reminding people that thieves work even in frigid temperatures.

A driver who tried to warm up his car by leaving it running near the Miller Hill Mall area on Monday night got a rude surprise when he returned five minutes later: His 2005 Toyota Corolla was gone, according to a Duluth Police statement.

The car was later found crashed and abandoned off Skyline Parkway.

The department wrote in bold and all caps: "THIS WAS A PREVENTABLE CRIME."

It reminded drivers that it's against Duluth city law to leave a vehicle unattended with keys in it. Police suggested investing in a remote car starter because "these devices have security features that will shut the car down if someone tries to enter it or drive it without the key."

'Tis the season.