Cops in alert over running car engines to beat cold snap
POLICE Scotland has said its officers were able to get into 10 high-value vehicles in Glasgow’s East End as drivers continue to leave their engines running in the morning.
The alarming fact came to light early yesterday as the city woke up to below freezing temperatures and widespread frost and ice.
The police force regularly reminds the public not to defrost their cars by leaving their keys in the ignition and engine running.
In an surprising tweet this morning, Glasgow East Police wrote: “This morning, our officers were able to gain entry to 10 high-value vehicles in one estate alone, where the keys were in the ignition and the engine was running.
“When defrosting your car, remain with your vehicle. Your car could be gone in seconds and insurers would not cover the loss.”
The Evening Times previously reported on how officers had warned residents in and around Glasgow not to leave their engines running in the morning amid a spate of car thefts.
A Police Scotland spokesman said at the time: “Opportunist thieves operate in residential areas on frosty, cold mornings and they look out for vehicles that have been left with their engine running. It only takes a few seconds for someone to jump into it and drive away.
“We would urge motorists to leave extra time to go outside and defrost the vehicle themselves, and not leave it unlocked with the engine running.”
Edmund King, president of vehicle services company the AA, said: “Keys really are the weakest link in the car security chain, and you should treat them like cash. Leaving your car unattended with the engine running is just offering thieves a present.
“Low temperatures may tempt more drivers to leave the car running. It really can be a case of ‘gone in 60 seconds’ if the car is left running.”