In the cold weather of December 2005 there have been many cases of thieves stealing cars that have been left to defrost. Cases have been reported in Scotland, Manchester, Lancashire, West Midlands, Sussex, and Hampshire.
Thieves prowl neighbourhoods where people are likely to be getting up early, and wait until they see someone start up their car and leave it ticking over with the heaters blasting. When the driver goes to wait in the warm of the house for a few minutes, the thieves make off with the car.
Police warn that drivers should be on their guard against this crime and make sure not to leave their cars unattended whilst the keys are in the ignition.
It is estimated that 37,000 people will have their motors stolen in this way this winter, and 14,000 of those will not get their cars back, resulting in many car insurance claims.