WARNING ON DEFROSTING THEFTS

Motorists have been warned of opportunistic thieves who could steal their vehicles left running to defrost.

With the winter months in full swing, motoring experts and police across the country have highlighted the increased risk of theft while vehicles are defrosting.

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 an early Christmas present.

“The current extreme 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.”

A number of police forces have used social media to spread the message too. A tweet by Merseyside Police’s road policing team said: “There’s already been one car stolen this morning after being left unattended with the engine on to defrost the windows. Don’t give thieves the opportunity! Never leave your car unattended with the engine on, not even for a couple of seconds.”

Another post, by Police Scotland’s road policing unit, said: “Don’t defrost your car and leave it unattended…… van stolen this morning ….. several other vehicles damaged …. the person responsible is in custody ….. fortunately, no one was injured”.

Not only does leaving a vehicle running while unoccupied pose a risk of theft, it’s also illegal. Under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a fixed penalty of £20 can be handed out to offenders.

There’s also a chance of insurers refusing to pay out on vehicles stolen while defrosting, as many policies can be invalidated if vehicles are left unattended while running with the keys inside.