WITH temperatures set to plummet, residents across the Dudley borough are urged to cautious when defrosting cars.
Dudley’s community safety partnership, safe & sound, is warning people not to leave keys in the ignition of unattended vehicles - even on their own driveways.
To avoid falling victim to opportunist thieves, motorists are advised to clear windscreens with de-icer and a scraper and sit in their car while de-misting the windscreen - rather than leaving vehicles unattended while warming them up.
Councillor Gaye Partridge, Dudley's cabinet member for community safety, said: “It may sound like simple advice, but some victims only nip inside for a few seconds to collect a bag or finish a cup of coffee and that’s all the time a thief needs.
“Insurance companies may not pay out for cars stolen in this way and if your house keys are also stolen homes also become vulnerable.
“By being cautious people can avoid falling victim to opportunist thieves.”
To report anyone acting suspiciously call police on 101 - or 999 in an emergency.
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