Police are warning drivers not to leave their cars unattended while de-icing them following the theft of a car in Sunderland.
The light green Ford Focus was left unattended on a driveway with the engine running when it was stolen last Wednesday. Northumbria police have arrested a 43-year-old man in connection with the crime and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
There are a number of incidents like these during winter every year and the police are urging drivers not to leave their cars alone with the keys in the ignition.
Superintendent Jim Napier, Sunderland Area Command, said: "People might think they're saving time by leaving the engine running to de-ice the car while they pop back into their house, but we're urging them not to do this.
"Allow a few extra minutes to have enough time to de-ice cars and never leave them unattended.
"It is also worth bearing in mind that insurance companies are unlikely to pay out if the car is stolen in this way."
