Police forces around the country are warning drivers to take care when defrosting their vehicles after a spate of car thefts.
A number of vehicles were stolen after people left them unattended with the engines running in a bid to defrost their windscreens.
The first theft was reported at 7am after a vehicle had been taken from Totnes Road in Newton Abbot with the engine left running.
Two unknown people were seen on the driveway when the Volkswagen T-Roc was taken with the police now appealing for any information.
The police are warning drivers against leaving their cars unattended to clear frost
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The police responded to another incident 40 minutes later after a report that a vehicle had been taken about 25 miles away in Tedburn St Mary.
Two more vehicles were then taken from a garage forecourt in Newton St Cyres near Exeter where the engines had been left running in an attempt to de-ice the vehicles.
Officers were assisted by a police helicopter and carried out searches for the vehicles which were seen driving on the A377 towards Exeter.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Devon and Cornwall Police issued a warning to motorists about the issues they could face.
It stated: “An investigation has been launched following a spate of car thefts in Devon this morning, Tuesday 16 January.
“The vehicles had been left unattended with the engines running in an attempt to de-ice the cars when they were taken.”
Devon and Cornwall Police are now looking for a red Volkswagen T-Roc, a white Peugeot 3008, a silver BMW X1 Estate and a black BMW 520.
Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, of the Roads Policing Team at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Earlier today, Devon and Cornwall Police received several reports of stolen vehicles in and around Exeter.
“All of the vehicles in question had been left unattended, with the engines running, in an attempt to de-ice windscreens.
“We know it can be tempting to start your car and wait in the warmth of your home while ice defrosts but leaving your vehicle unattended while running can attract thieves and, if parked on a public road, you may be breaking the law.
“Cold weather is forecast for the rest of the week, so we’re urging motorists to allow for extra time to de-ice their vehicles in the mornings. Please don’t leave vehicles running if unattended.”
Drivers should be especially cautious this week after the Met Office issued two amber snow warnings for Scotland, in addition to a number of yellow weather warnings already in place across the UK.
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Four vehicles were stolen yesterday morning (stock image)
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With temperatures remaining low for the coming days, drivers are being urged to clear windscreen frost in a safe manner and without leaving their car unattended with the engine running.
