IT TAKES seconds for a vehicle thief to jump in and drive off, is the warning from police after a car was stolen as it defrosted in Warwick.
A Land Rover Discovery was stolen on Tuesday (December 12) at around 7.15am as it was left to defrost with the engine running.
Police also received a similar report of an attempted theft of a car in Ryton-on-Dunsmore.
Chief Ins Faz Chishty said: “Opportunist thieves operate in residential areas on cold frosty mornings to look out for cars which have been left with the engine running.
“It’s important that motorists leave extra time to go outside and de-ice their windows themselves, rather than leaving the car unlocked and the engine running.
“Whilst this may feel like an inconvenience, it only takes a matter of seconds for a thief to jump in and drive off.”
Police have provided the following tips for preparing vehicles on icy mornings:
• When de-icing windows, never leave the car unattended with the keys in the ignition, even for a second.
• Always ensure the windscreen and other windows and mirrors are fully de-iced and de-misted before driving off. Driving without clear visibility is illegal and puts the driver and other road users at risk.
• Stock-up on de-icing materials before the cold spell starts.
• Once the windscreen has cleared, use air conditioning or heating to keep the glass mist-free.
• Cover the windscreen with a blanket or windshield the night before frost is forecast to shorten the time it takes to clear the windscreen in the morning.
• Put the car in the garage if one is available to keep the car frost-free and out of sight of would-be car thieves.
• If frost has been forecast, get up slightly earlier to allow extra time to defrost the car before setting off.
• Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and make sure washer fluid is topped up.
• Check tyres are correctly inflated and have a legal tyre tread.
• Plan journeys and allow plenty of time when there is fog, snow or heavy rain.
