Interview with a Burglar

[Hawkins]

I think leaving a car unattended while running is dangerous in many ways.

Yes, your car could be stolen. But also, it could slip out of gear, and roll over someone.
Or a minor/child could enter the car, put it in gear, and run over someone. Particularly in a busy QT parking lot.

I wouldn't say leaving a running car is as dangerous as leaving a loaded gun lying on the ground, but I'd put it right behind such stupidity on a list of things you should never do. Cars can kill people, they weigh a lot, have many moving parts, and if you're not in the driver's seat, the vehicle should be shut off.

[custosnox]

well, I wouldn't go as far as being in the drivers seat, but at least close enough at hand to intervine.