to wonder why people leave the car running and unattended?

[ShadowStorm]

I went to the shop today.

Another man was parking his car near where I was parking. When I got out of my car, I noticed that he'd left the engine running. No passengers in the car, and the car park was fairly busy with cars and pedestrians coming and going. He was queuing for the cashpoint, and I'm guessing planning to leave in his car straight after that - but why leave the car running? He'd even reversed into the space to make leaving the car park faster.

It surely only takes a few seconds to turn the engine off and take the keys with you, and a similar amount of time to insert the keys and start the engine once you're back in the car. I just don't get why he'd leave the car running - even if he's not bothered about the possibility of car theft, it's still wasting fuel.

AIBU and overly judgey here?

[theodorakisses]

Maybe he used to live in Qatar, we never cut the engines and when it's hot many just beep outside and then give the guy a list and the card and pin. And we all have 5L cars as well but fuel is free

[squeakytoy]

maybe his ignition is a bit dodgy.. or the car itself doesnt always start first time..

[Naebother]

Where I live your car would be gone....

[theodorakisses]

Well almost free, about 6p a liter but if you work for an oil co is free

[HoHoHoNoYouDont]

Well if it gets nicked his insurance won't pay out that's for sure.

[ShadowStorm]

6p a litre! I'm jealous

[HoHoHoNoYouDont]

Here too Naebother

[theodorakisses]

Well there are sacrifices, we live 6 hours away from family and friends but on the other hand have a home and bills free, nice car, cheap fuel and a tax free salary. We left the UK years ago and have not always lived in rich countries but have always felt safer (except in Africa) and have enough time as a family to sail, swim, relax and year round go to the beach without it outweighing what we left behind.

[ShadowStorm]

I'm presuming the car wasn't stolen as both the car and the man had gone when I left the shop (about 10 minutes later), and there wasn't any visible commotion.

Good point about the insurance.

[theodorakisses]

And have fostered 62 animals because we have the space to do it. From newborn kittens to a Baboon who went to a decent zoo and had children and taken in other children. When the pressure of mortgage and bills is gone you can do anything. My car does 9mpg but I don't actually care.

[C0smos]

Fairly sure the insurance wouldn't cover this if someone jumped in and drive off so a bit stupid IMO.

[wibblyjelly]

I was walking down my high street the other day, and there was a police car, with it's engine running, and the window open, and no police in sight. I did wonder if anyone was tempted....