Motorists urged to keep thieves out in the cold this winter

Car on a frosty morning

Motorists across Greater Manchester are being urged to freeze out opportunist thieves by not leaving their vehicles unattended while they are being de-iced.

It comes following the theft of five vehicles on Thursday morning (29 November 2012). The vehicles which were, a Toyota Corola, Ford Focus, Kia Picanto, transit van and Vauxhall Insignia were stolen from addresses in Newton Heath, Stalybridge, Gorton and Bury after being left unattended as they were defrosting.

By simply staying with your vehicle on frosty mornings during the winter months, motorists can dramatically reduce the chances of having them stolen.
Vehicle owners are being provided with the advice after the Met Office this week issued warnings over the dip in the temperature in parts of Greater Manchester this weekend.

Inspector Kevin Hodder for Greater Manchester Police, said: “It’s tempting for drivers to leave their vehicles with the engines running while they go indoors during the frosty mornings to keep out of the cold. Unfortunately however, it only takes a few seconds to steal a car with keys left in the ignition. It’s also worth motorists remembering that if they do this their insurance policies may be invalidated.

“Car thief’s target all vehicles not just those that are high-powered and expensive, so please take our advice and remember to stay in the vehicle when defrosting it, and if they need to leave the car at any time they should remove all valuables, lock it and take the keys with them.”

To report crime, call the single non-emergency number on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.