Police warning on opportunist thieves

FOLLOWING a spate of opportunist thefts, motorists in Warrington are being urged not to leave their cars “defrosting” with keys in the ignition during the current cold snap.
Police are warning drivers across the town to beware of opportunist thieves who see a cold spell as an opportunity to snatch a vehicle – especially if the driver has left the engine running and the car unattended.
Inspector Andy Fletcher 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 drivers to stay with the vehicle at all times when defrosting, and to try to stay in a position where it would be difficult for someone to get into the car and drive it away.
Inspector Fletcher said: “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.”
Police are also reminding motorists to allow enough time to fully defrost their cars before driving.
Inspector Fletcher added: “We would urge drivers to remain alert and to be aware of their surroundings while they are outside defrosting their car. Any suspicious activity should be reported to police immediately.”
Suspicious activity should be reported to Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.