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07 Feb 2012
Police are renewing their appeal to motorists not to
leave their cars defrosting on the driveway − with the
keys in the ignition.
An incident was reported to police in Widnes this morning (7th
February). At 6.55am a grey Audi was stolen from
the driveway of a house in Roscommon Way whilst defrosting.
As the bitterly cold weather is set to continue this week
drivers are being warned to be on their guard against opportunist
thieves.
Sergeant Kev Phillips said:
Opportunist thieves will see a cold spell of weather as a
perfect opportunity to snatch a vehicle - especially if the driver
has left the engine running and the car unattended.
We are urging drivers across the town to remain security
conscious and to take steps to reduce the chances of being targeted
by thieves.
- Sergeant Kev Phillips, Widnes NPU
During the current cold snap officers from Widnes Neighbourhood Policing Unit are patrolling
key areas across the town, speaking to drivers and advising them
about defrosting their cars safely.
Officers are focusing their efforts on areas of the town where
cars have been stolen from previously − they are talking to drivers
and advising them accordingly.
Officers are also urging drivers to remain security conscious
and not to leave valuable items - such as handbags, laptops and
mobile phones - on show inside some of the vehicles.
Drivers are being encouraged to:
- Ensure they stay with their vehicle at all
times when defrosting it.
- Do not be tempted to start defrosting the car
and then pop back into the house or garage - it only takes a matter
of minutes for someone to get into a car and drive off if the
engine is running and there is no one else around.
- Make sure they allow enough time every morning
to fully defrost their vehicle before driving - scraping just a few
inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate
enough - it is illegal and dangerous.
- Be more aware of their surroundings and
report any suspicious activity immediately
It is not just the inconvenience and stress of losing your
vehicle and any valuable items that are inside − it is also the
fact that many drivers have their house keys and other important
keys on the same fob as their car keys. So if they are stolen then
you have the added expense of having to change the locks on your
home.
- Sergeant Kev Phillips, Widnes NPU
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area or have any
information in relation to the incident this morning you can
contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers,
anonymously, on 0800 555 111
