A driver has had their vehicle stolen in the early hours of the morning after leaving it unattended to defrost following a period of prolonged cold weather, prompting experts to warn motorists.
Norfolk Police reported that it was investigating a theft of a vehicle from Charlton Road, Norwich, which took place at around 6.30am.
The force reported that the engine was running to allow the heating system to defrost the car on a cold morning while the victim was inside the house.
The car was then stolen from outside the victim’s home, with the police clarifying that enquiries into the theft are ongoing.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]
North Norfolk Police confirmed that it was still investigating the theft
NORTH NORFOLK POLICE
Posting on Facebook, North Norfolk Police said: “It may be icy out there but please do not leave your vehicle unattended!
“Norfolk Police are reminding drivers to make sure their vehicles are secure at all times and not left unattended when they are defrosting it in colder weather.”
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that there were 130,270 cars stolen in England and Wales in 2023.
Further data from a Freedom of Information request found that the rate of people being charged for vehicle thefts has steadily declined from 2.8 per cent in July 2022 to just 1.43 per cent in June 2023.
Former Police Interceptor Ben Pearson said: “You don’t need to make your car the hardest car to steal in the world – just the hardest one to steal on your street.
“Today’s thieves are often sophisticated and well-practised but if there is an easier target around they are much more likely to try their luck with that vehicle instead.”
Pearson, who is also a police advisor at Nextbase, urged motorists not to leave their car unlocked and unattended, even if the advice sounds “patronising”.
With the recent cold snap and the continued low temperatures, it may be tempting for motorists to leave their engine running to defrost their windscreens to save them time before the commute.
However, drivers should never leave their cars unattended, even if they think it will only be for a few seconds. Thieves are opportunistic and may pick up on patterns of activity and daily habits.
Pearson also recommended using a wheel lock to make the car harder to steal and give criminals an added level of deterrence. While thieves can get through a wheel lock with an angle grinder, the added noise and time will put them off.
Social media can be helpful and a hindrance if a vehicle is stolen. If drivers post about their vehicles on social media often, especially if it is of high value, they could be at greater risk.
Despite this, social media can help motorists appeal to people in their local area if anyone has found it or seen it driving around.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- New DVSA rule changes introduced last week criticised for long delays – ‘Just get on with it!’
- Drivers face £130 penalty as council makes traffic orders permanent for first time in two years – ‘Nightmare’
- Hybrid cars are the ‘worst of both worlds’ with ‘inherent flaws’ amid calls to prioritise EVs instead
The former Police Interceptor urged drivers to deter thieves with security measures
GETTY
The expert added: “While not everyone has the luxury of off-street or garage parking, if you do, make sure you take advantage of it.
“I can think of dozens of examples of cars stolen from in front of houses where the garage is full of useless junk, leaving what is often the second most expensive asset of the household exposed. Clear it out.”