Frost warning for motorists

MOTORISTS in Warrington are being warned to beware of opportunist thieves when they defrost their cars.
As the cold weather sets in, police are warning motorists not to leave their cars defrosting on the driveway – with the keys in the ignition.
They say thieves often see the cold mornings as a perfect opportunity to snatch a vehicle – especially if the driver has left the engine running and the car unattended.
Inspector Andy Fletcher, intelligence manager for the area, said: “Leaving your car unattended for just a few minutes with the engine running is an open invitation for someone to jump in and drive off in it.
“It might be tempting to start defrosting the car and then head for the warmth of the house or garage. But it only takes a matter of minutes for someone to get into a car and drive off if the engine is running and there is no one else around.”
He advises people to stay with their car when defrosting it, no matter how tempting it is to nip away, and if possible to stay in a position where it would be difficult for someone else to get into the car.
He said: “Most cars are fitted with heated rear windscreens and these should be used rather than de-icer as moving to the back of a car can present an opportunity for thieves.
“People think it will never happen to them but it could happen to anyone and they should do everything they can to reduce the risk.
Inspector Fletcher added: “If you are outside defrosting your car and you are approached by someone who tries to take it, the advice would be to never put yourself in a position of danger.”
Police are also warning motorists to allow enough time every morning to fully defrost their cars before driving.
Inspector Fletcher said: “Scraping just a few inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate enough – it is illegal and dangerous.”