Police issue chilling warning to drivers

Date published: 07 February 2007

Greater Manchester Police is warning the public to take care when defrosting their vehicles, after 20 vehicles have been stolen across Greater Manchester in just two days (Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 February).

The vehicles were stolen when the 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 are urging 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 on frosty mornings.

A wide variety of vehicles have been stolen including a Toyota Corolla, BMW, Mercedes, Ford Mondeo, Citroen C3 and a Ford transit van.
 
Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts of Greater Manchester Police’s Traffic Network Section 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."