Motorists urged to freeze out opportunist thieves

Police are warning motorists to freeze out opportunist thieves

Police are urging motorists not to leave vehicles unattended with engines running while de-icing them on frosty mornings.

Cars have been stolen due to this across Greater Manchester, and people are reminded that peak times for offences are between 7.00am and 9.00am on weekdays, when they are getting ready to set off for work.

Forty six vehicles were taken by this method during winter 2012/13, but by following simple crime prevention advice the offence can be prevented.

Crime Reduction Specialist Darron Tickle said: “Every winter on frosty mornings people leave vehicles with engines running while they go indoors to keep out of the cold.

“It’s therefore no surprise that when they go back outside their driveway is empty, as it only takes a few seconds to steal a car with keys left in the ignition. Motorists should also remember that if they do this then their insurance may be invalidated.

“It’s not only high-powered vehicles that are targeted, so our advice to all drivers is to stay with the vehicle when defrosting it, and if you need to leave the car then remove any valuables, close all windows, lock all doors and take the keys with you."

There is now a range of pre-icer products that prevent ice and frost from building up on windscreens and windows, and motorists are advised to use one of these the night before.

To report crime, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or crime in progress.