POLICE are urging drivers not to leave their car unattended with the engine running as it defrosts during the current cold spell.
Over the past 24 hours, there have been three reports of vehicles stolen whilst left defrosting across Warwickshire and West Mercia policing areas.
The vehicles were stolen from Alvechurch and Redditch, both in North Worcestershire, and in Bedworth, North Warwickshire.
The two vehicles from North Worcestershire have now been recovered.
Detective Constable Fiona Paterson from Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “Unfortunately there are opportunist thieves who will intentionally visit residential areas on cold frosty mornings to look out for cars which have been left with the engine running.
“During the current cold spell, it’s important that motorists leave extra time to go outside and de-ice their windows themselves, rather than leaving the car unlocked and the engine running.
“Whilst this may feel like an inconvenience, it only takes a matter of seconds for a vehicle thief to jump in and drive off. By leaving your car unattended, you may end up losing more than just the ice on your windows.”
