Thieves target unattended cars
Motorists have been warned by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) over the dangers of leaving their vehicles unattended with the engine running to defrost and warm up, during the freezing weather.
Thieves are targeting vehicles left with the keys in the ignition, with Lancashire police recently logging 27 vehicles left in this way over just two hours.
In Greater Manchester earlier this week, in just one morning, four cars were stolen this way.
Leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition may invalidate your insurance claim if your vehicle is stolen, as it could be seen as not taking reasonable care.
Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, said: "No one wants to freeze while defrosting their car. But tempting though it is, specially on freezing mornings, don't leave your vehicle with the engine running to warm up, while you nip back inside - even if it is only for a couple of minutes, as it only takes seconds for thieves to strike.
"Stay with your vehicle while it warms up, so that it is you that drives away in a warm car, not a thief."