Daily Staff Writer

The Ames Police Department will no longer open locked vehicles for citizens who leave their keys in their cars.

Effective April 1, Ames police officers will only help persons open locked vehicles in an emergency situation only.

Police formerly used “slim jims” to open the doors of vehicles to help those who locked their keys in their cars.

Ames Police Sgt. Jim Robinson said after reviewing information from car manufacturers it was discovered that unlocking the cars with the devices can cause more harm than good.

“Many cars have power door locks and damage can be done to the locking mechanisms. This isn’t too good on good public relations,” Robinson said.

The police department surveyed area locksmiths, who said they would be willing to help out in non-emergency situations.

The police department will keep the numbers of these locksmiths on file and give them to citizens on request.

The Department of Public Safety will continue to open locked car doors for on-campus vehicles.