As frosty weather hits the county, South Yorkshire Police is urging motorists not to leave their vehicles unattended with the engine running.

Six vehicles have already been reported stolen this morning while left unsupervised, as drivers are warming their vehicles up in the cold weather before starting their journey. However, motorists should be aware this is enticing opportunistic thieves.

Inspector Craig Clifton from South Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group said: “It may be tempting to leave your vehicle unattended allowing it to defrost before starting your journey but this makes the car vulnerable to being stolen, particularly with exhaust fumes coming from standing vehicles in the cold weather making these vehicles more identifiable.  

“You don’t only run the risk of your vehicle being stolen but you may also lose the right to make an insurance claim because leaving the keys in the ignition could invalidate your insurance.

“Plan your journey with extra time to defrost your vehicle without leaving it unattended.”

During the winter months, there is an increase in these types of car thefts. To tackle this South Yorkshire Police is trialling a new initiative in partnership with Hallam FM.

Since 3 January, officers from South Yorkshire Police’s control room have been supplying Hallam FM with the details of vehicles reported as recently stolen. The presenters of Hallam FM will then report the details and ask listeners to report sightings of the vehicles.