Drivers are being warned not to leave their cars unattended while warming them up this winter to help prevent their cars being stolen.
As the temperature drops, the number of so-called "frost-jackings" increases. In a frost-jacking, the thief steals the car from the owner's driveway while the owner is warming up their car by leaving the engine running.
Stuart Chapman, Police Relationships Manager at stolen vehicle recovery experts TRACKER, said: "Frosty mornings, means people leaving their cars unlocked, unattended with the engine running to clear frosted windows which is an absolute 'gift' to some car criminals.
"Whilst some of the 'frost-jacking thefts' are opportune many are planned. Organised gangs will target specific makes and models that are parked out overnight. They will keep watch on the vehicles when the weather is cold waiting for the owner to leave it unattended.
"Many drivers don't realise that police may even prosecute them, if their car is stolen while unattended with the engine running. They may also find that insurance companies can refuse the claim for the theft, leaving owners seriously out of pocket."
Earlier this year, Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes was caught out by a 'frost-jacker' when his Chevrolet Captiva was stolen from outside his Manchester home as he was defrosting it.
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