Drivers warned to secure vehicles while defrosting windscreens (From York Press)

Drivers warned to secure vehicles while defrosting windscreens

8:26am Wednesday 6th January 2010 in News

A motorist gets some help in the snow near Wetherby

MOTORISTS have been warned the big chill is providing opportunities for car thieves.

Police have advised drivers to take extra care to secure their vehicles and not leave them unattended while defrosting windscreens.

Two cars were stolen yesterday, one in Thirsk and one in Littlethorpe, near Ripon, when motorists left the cars unattended with the engine running and returned to their houses.

Thieves, who appear to have been cruising the area, took the opportunity to steal the cars. The car that was stolen from Thirsk was a red Ford Fiesta and was last seen heading towards Busby Stoop at about 8am.

The vehicle stolen from Littlethorpe was a blue Isuzu Trooper, last seen heading towards Ripon at approximately 10am.

A police spokesman urged motorists in the region to take extra care while the icy blast continues.

“It appears that the thieves were driving around the area looking for such opportunities to steal cars,” he said.

“The advice from North Yorkshire Police is very simple and very obvious: never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.”

Anyone who witnessed either of the thefts or who saw anything suspicious is asked to phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, police are warning motorists to take care on minor roads, particularly estate roads and footways outside town centre areas, which are still affected by ice and compacted snow.

Some have been treated but the sub-zero conditions mean action to clear them is proving ineffective.