POLICE are warning residents not to leave their cars running while they wait inside for it to warm up after spate of thefts.
Just this morning (Tuesday), a lime green Ford Fiesta with the registration number BN10 FZM, was taken from the owner’s drive on Grayshott Close, in Bromsgrove, after they left the keys in the ignition with the heating running.
Officers are reminding people it only takes seconds someone to steal a vehicle as the cold weather is not the only thing pulling motorists away from their cars. Many are dashing back inside to grab a bag or finish their last bit of breakfast leaving their vehicles vulnerable for the moments it takes for a thief to seize the opportunity.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “We are advising motorists to sit in vehicles while the heater de-mists the windscreen.
“Drivers who ignore this advice are taking big risks.
“Thieves will drive around residential areas looking for likely targets.
“When they spot a vehicle with its engine left running on a drive or outside a home, it’s there for the taking.”
Many of the cars taken are never recovered and more expensive models such as Mercedes and BMWs are shipped overseas.
If a vehicle is taking while the keys have been left in the the owner may not be covered on their insurance.
Police are also warning driver of the dangers their homes may be in if the keys are taken and their house keys are attached, it leaves their property vulnerable.
