16 Dec 2010
Police are renewing their appeal for motorists not to leave their cars defrosting on the driveway - with the keys in the ignition - as freezing weather is set to return over the weekend.
A number of vehicles have already been stolen in Warrington whilst left defrosting and officers are once again warning drivers to be on their guard against opportunist thieves.
Reduce the risks
Motorists are being urged to do all they can to reduce the chances of being targeted.
Ensure you stay with your vehicle at all times when defrosting it. Remember to try to stay in a position where it would be difficult for someone to get into the car and drive it away.
Do not be tempted to start defrosting the car and then pop back into the house or garage - 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.
Make sure you allow enough time every morning to fully defrost your vehicle before driving - scraping just a few inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate enough - it is illegal and dangerous.
Be more aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Detective Inspector Matt Durcan, of the Northern Area Proactive Policing Team, said:
We are urging drivers to be vigilant as the bitterly cold weather is set to return over the next few days.
It is important that drivers remain security conscious and are not tempted to leave their vehicle - even if it is just for a few seconds - whilst it is defrosting on the driveway. We cannot stress how important it is to stay with your vehicle at all times while it is being defrosted.
Opportunist thieves will once again see a change in the weather as a perfect opportunity to snatch a vehicle - especially if the driver has left the engine running and the car unattended. We are dong all we can to tackle the issue and to target offenders but we need the continued support of drivers across Warrington and Halton.
- Detective Inspector Matt Durcan, Northern Area Proactive Policing Team
During a recent operation in the Warrington West area officers found 33 vehicles left defrosting on the driveway - with the keys in the ignition.
Six officers from the Targeted Patrol Team (TPT) patrolled streets in the Great Sankey area. In the space of three hours (between 6am and 9am) they discovered 33 vehicles left defrosting on the driveway with the keys in the ignition - and the drivers out of sight.
They approached each property and spoke to the drivers who were inside - advising them of the potential consequences of their actions. Valuable items - including handbags and laptops - had also been left on show inside some of the vehicles.
DI Durcan added:
It is not just the inconvenience and stress of losing your vehicle and any valuable items that are inside – it is also the fact that many drivers have their house keys and other important keys on the same fob as their car keys. So if they are stolen then you have the added expense of having to change the locks on your home.
Drivers should also be warned that insurance companies may not pay out if a vehicle has been left unattended whilst defrosting – with the keys in the ignition.
- Detective Inspector Matt Durcan, Northern Area Proactive Policing Team
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
