Thieves Targeting defrosting Vehicles

Dear Resident

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, and could also invalidate your insurance. Equally any items left in open, unattended vehicles are also an easy target for thieves.

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 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:

• Check the windscreen wipers are switched off before starting the ignition. Leaving them running when a windscreen is frozen can cause damage.

• Start the engine and use the warm air blower on the windscreen.

• Remove any snow from the vehicle.

• Use a scraper and de-icer to remove ice from the windows. Avoid using boiling water which can cause windscreens to crack.

• Stay with running vehicles while they defrost.

• Check the weather forecast and cover the windscreen with a blanket or windscreen protector when frost is due overnight.

For more vehicle security advice visit: https://orlo.uk/0IEdJ

#Dacorum