Leave your car running and risk theft: police

While Sergeant Paul Nicoll of Campaspe Highway Patrol said it was not a common offence for police to issue fines for, there were people around town who did it.

And the risk is far more greater than a fine.

"We get a lot of cars stolen and it only takes a second or two for someone to slip into the driver's seat and drive away with your vehicle," he said.

"Best thing is just take the keys with you and that way your car is protected and can't be stolen.

"We have enough cars getting stolen and set alight that people need to make sure their car is not going to be the next."