Police issue "chilling" warning to drivers

11:10am Thursday 4th December 2008

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MOTORISTS have been warned to take care while defrosting their cars after three vehicles were stolen in Trafford in as many days.

Twenty vehicles in total were taken from across Greater Manchester since Monday (December 1).

They were stolen when drivers left them unattended with the keys in the ignition and engines running while defrosting them.

With temperatures expected to continue to plunge over the next few days, police have urged motorists to ensure that they are not the next victims to be left out in the cold by simply staying with their vehicle while de-icing them.

Chief Superintendent Janette McCormick of Trafford Police said: "People can be tempted to leave their vehicle unattended, with the engine running, on a frosty morning while they go indoors to keep out of the cold.

“However, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a car when the keys have been left in the ignition.

“In such circumstances, insurance policies maybe invalidated, so the decision to leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running could be an expensive one.”

Chief Inspector Chris Gloster of GMP’s traffic network services said: “People can be tempted to leave their car engine running on a frosty morning while they keep nice and warm inside their house. However, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a car when the keys have been left in the ignition.

“It is not only high-powered vehicles that are targeted and so our advice to all drivers is to stay in their vehicle when defrosting and if at any time they need to leave the car, to make sure they lock it, remove any valuables and take the keys with them.

”Motorists should also remember that insurance companies may not pay out if vehicles are stolen after being left unattended with the keys in the ignition.”