This holiday season, a little extra caution could prevent a life-changing event.

Advocates are urging parents to never leave their children alone in unattended vehicles, even for a few minutes, as car thefts are on the rise.

“These are crimes of opportunity, so these thieves are sitting, watching, waiting,” said Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety. “Most of the time, they have no idea there’s a child in the back seat until they’ve already taken off with the car and the child in tow.”

According to experts, car thefts spike during the holidays.

In some cases, children have been inside the vehicles when stolen.

One such incident occurred last month on MacDonough Place in the Country Club section of the Bronx, where a 7-year-old was in a car that was taken. Thankfully, the child was found safe.

“It’s a terrible situation. Even the children who are unharmed physically—this is a traumatizing thing that sticks with them forever,” Rollins said.

Local residents echo the sentiment.

“Yea, no, no, you have to take the kids inside,” said Mesha. Rick Hagans, also agreed, saying, “Absolutely not, we will never do that. Take your kids with you, wake them up—never in that much of a rush.”

Experts also caution against double parking, which is illegal and increases the risk of theft.

Advocates are offering these simple reminders for parents: