MOTORISTS in Ellesmere Port are being warned to prevent their cars becoming targets for criminals in the cold weather.
Cheshire Constabulary is urging the public to help combat a crime trend associated with cold weather.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Smith said: “Thieves seize the opportunity of the cold weather to steal cars.
“Thieves target cars which have been left with their engines running to defrost the windscreens.”
The force is urging motorists to never leave keys in the ignition and doors unlocked when the car is unattended, even if it is only for a couple of minutes and the vehicle is sitting on the motorist’s driveway or on the road outside their house.
Police also urge drivers to defrost their screens before moving off, as driving with only a few inches of the windscreen clear is dangerous.
Det Ch Insp Smith added: “The sensible approach is to allow an extra few minutes to defrost your car and do not leave it unattended.
“When making an insurance claim in a situation where a driver has left a vehicle insecure, insurers may argue a reasonable duty of care has not been taken. Victims are then faced with the loss of their vehicle with potentially no means of replacement.”
