Stolen Vehicle Squad is warning people

LANCASHIRE Constabulary's Stolen Vehicle Squad is warning people not to leave their cars unattended while they defrost on cold mornings.

As temperatures plummet people often stay inside their homes as they wait for the ice to melt, while they leave their car unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

Last year a number of cars were stolen in this way and people are being urged to stay with their vehicles until they can drive off in them.

Detective Sergeant Simon Ingham, from Lancashire Constabulary's Stolen Vehicle Squad, said: "It is really important people stay in their cars while they are defrosting as it is so easy for thieves to get away with vehicles which have been left unattended with the keys in the ignition.

"What drivers also need to remember is that if their car is stolen in this way their insurance may be invalid, so for the sake of an extra 10 minutes inside your house it just isn't worth the risk."