Thieves target defrosting vehicles in Hertfordshire

Motorists risk their vehicles being stolen if they leave them with the engine running and unattended while the windows defrost. Equally any items left in open, unattended vehicles are an easy target for thieves.

Investigations Detective Superintendent for East Local Policing Command, Ant Alcock, said: “No one enjoys sitting in a freezing car whilst the windscreen is defrosting on a cold morning, but leaving it unattended with the engine running makes it an easy target for criminals.

“Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous individuals out there who will be on the look-out for these opportunities on icy mornings. Leaving a vehicle unlocked with the keys in the ignition can also invalidate your insurance.”

It’s also important for motorists to defrost their windscreens fully before setting out on a journey. A frozen or partially defrosted windscreen makes it difficult to see properly, putting lives at risk.

Motorists caught driving with obscured vision can receive a £100 fine and three penalty points for careless driving. In more serious cases, or those that are contested in court, motorists face a maximum fine of £5,000, up to nine penalty points and could be banned from driving.

When defrosting a windscreen, police ask motorists to follow these simple steps:

• Check the windscreen wipers are switched off before starting the ignition. Leaving them running when a windscreen is frozen can cause damage.
• Start the engine and use the warm air blower on the windscreen.
• Remove any snow from the vehicle.
• Use a scraper and de-icer to remove ice from the windows. Avoid using boiling water which can cause windscreens to crack.
• Stay with running vehicles while they defrost.

Be sure to check the weather the night before using the vehicle and cover the windscreen with a blanket or windscreen protector also the night before.

For more vehicle security advice visit: www.herts.police.uk/protectyourvehicle.