Keep an eye on your winter warmers

Keep an eye on your winter warmers

In this time of dark, gloomy, freezing mornings, drivers in the UK are being warned against leaving their vehicles to warm up unattended.

In the colder months, the number of car thefts tends to increase, due to more vehicles being left running whilst unattended. Also known as 'frost jacking', it is an unfortunate hazard of vehicles being left on the driveway or parking area with their engines running, in an attempt to heat up their engines before setting off on a journey, whilst their owner shelters indoors.

Whilst warming up your engine before setting off is a sensible choice, it also puts you in danger of having your car stolen. It may seem far fetched that criminals will be purposely walking icy streets in the morning looking for unattended vehicles. Official police advice states that many 'frost jacking' incidents are a due to opportunity, many are still pre-meditated events.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it may already have been marked for surveillance by a criminal gang if it is left out in cold weather. Such gangs may wait nearby for signs that the vehicle is running and unattended. Due to the heightened security of more modern vehicles, keys are a necessity if a criminal is to steal one. The cold weather is used in order for thieves to take the risk on such cars.

It should also be noted that drivers can be prosecuted if they leave their vehicle with the engine running unattended. This includes if the car is on your driveway and you are simply waiting inside your house for warmth. Also, should your car be stolen whilst your cars are in the ignition, it is likely that an insurance claim will be doomed to failure. So, either wear a warm coat while your warm your car up, or sit inside it for the few minutes it takes.

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