Now frosty mornings are upon us, police officers are reminding people not to leave their cars unattended with keys in the ignition while they defrost their cars.
Inspector Paul Lawrence, of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s crime reduction unit, said: “It can take an age to de-ice your windows, and it’s very tempting to leave your car running whilst sitting in the warmth of your home.
“However, this also presents a perfect opportunity to thieves, who can jump in and be off in your vehicle in a few seconds.
“Many insurance companies will not cover you if this happens, so it could end up costing you a fortune for a few extra minutes in the warm.
“The best advice is not to leave your car unattended with the engine running and stay with your car at all times.”