Do not to leave your vehicle unattended, with the engine running to defrost and warm up, during the current freezing weather. Thieves are increasing targeting cars left unattended in this way.
Leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition could be seen as not taking reasonable care, and might invalidate any insurance claim if your vehicle is stolen in this way.
Some parts of the country have recently seen a spate of vehicles stolen by thieves on the prowl for vehicles left unattended with the keys in the ignition. Lancashire police recently logged 27 vehicles left in this way over just two hours. Earlier this week, in just one morning, four cars were stolen this way in Greater Manchester alone.
Martin Beal at Car Magic advises:
“I know it is tempting on freezing mornings, but don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running to warm up, while you pop back inside yiour house. Even is you are absent for only for a couple of minutes, it only takes seconds for thieves to strike. Stay with your car while it warms up, so you drive away in the warm car, not a thief.”