Do not leave your vehicle unattended while defrosting

Posted on January 01 2012

Police are advising motorists across Derbyshire not to leave their vehicles unattended while defrosting.

Drivers should be on their guard against so called ‘frost-jackers’ as the temperatures start to drop to prevent unnecessary thefts.

In recent years a number of cars left unattended with the ignition running while windscreens are defrosting have been stolen.

There have been no reports of this type yet this winter; however several cars left unattended by owners have been taken by opportunist thieves in the last month.

A car was taken from Mickleover, Derby on Tuesday, November 29 when a man left the keys in the ignition while dropping his children off.

A delivery driver’s car was stolen from Green Lane, Glossop on Tuesday, November 17 after it was left with the engine running in a car park.

A similar theft occurred in Killamarsh on Sunday, November 11 when a delivery driver left the car running while dropping off a parcel.

Community Safety Inspector Dave Stone said: “It’s that time of year when the cold weather is upon us, with freezing temperatures not far away.

“The weather doesn’t matter to the criminal; in fact they can use it to their advantage.

“Last winter we had a number of thefts where owners left cars unattended with the keys in the ignition whilst defrosting the windscreens only to find their vehicle had been stolen on their return.

“Thieves work their way around estates looking for an opportunity like this to steal the vehicles. Please don’t get caught out this year and make sure you don’t leave your vehicle unattended.”