Thieves target defrosting vehicles

Thieves target defrosting vehicles

With recent overnight temperatures dipping below zero, police are warning motorists against leaving their vehicles unattended while defrosting. 

Motorists risk their vehicles being stolen if they leave them with the engine running and unattended while the windows defrost. Equally any items left in open, unattended vehicles are also an easy target for thieves. 

Investigations Detective Superintendent for East Local Policing Command, Ant Alcock, said: “No one enjoys sitting in a freezing car whilst the windscreen is defrosting on a cold morning, but leaving it unattended with the engine running makes it an easy target for criminals. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals out there who will be on the look-out for these opportunities on icy mornings. Leaving a vehicle unlocked with the keys in the ignition can also invalidate your insurance.”

It is also important that motorists defrost their windscreens fully before setting out on a journey. A frozen or partially defrosted windscreen makes it difficult to see properly, putting lives at risk. 

Motorists caught driving with obscured vision can receive a £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving. In more serious cases, or those that are contested in court, motorists face a maximum fine of £5,000, up to nine penalty points and could be banned from driving. 

When defrosting a windscreen, please follow these simple steps:

For more vehicle security advice visit: www.herts.police.uk/protectyourvehicle.