Cars found to be idling with keys in the ignition are a common sight across Western New York during the winter. 

Come to find out, they're illegal. 

Buffalo police are looking to put an end to drivers who let their cars run idle. Officers told a recent group in the Seneca-Babcock neighborhood that people who start their vehicle and leave it unattended with the keys inside are breaking the law.

This doesn't apply to vehicles that are warming up thanks to a remote starter, officer said. 

Leaving a car running without an occupant makes it easy for someone to jump in, steal the car and possibly commit other crimes, officers said. It's a safety hazard and dangerous for the public as well as officers who try to stop the stolen car. 

Violators face stiff civil penalties, as well we criminal endangerment charges if kids are left inside.