Warning after vehicles stolen while left unattended to de-ice

Officers from Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit urged the public to stay safe while de-icing to save the heartache of losing their vehicle and being left out of pocket.

Sergeant Lee Wilson said: “We see incidents like this happening time and time again, and despite repeated warnings we are still seeing vehicles being left unattended whilst they de-ice.

“Opportunist thieves are out there looking for these vehicles, and within seconds they can jump into someone’s car and drive away.”

A 65-plate Volkswagen Golf was taken from outside an address on Kempston Way, Norton, at around 8:30am on Wednesday, December 18.

At 9am on Tuesday, December 17 a 19-plate black Vauxhall Astra was stolen from Sutherland Grove in Norton and a 67-plate Nissan Juke was taken minutes later on Whitehouse Road, Billingham.

There were also two vehicles stolen whilst left unattended to de-ice in Eaglescliffe on Tuesday, November 19.

Sgt Wilson added: “People wouldn’t leave thousands of pounds unattended on their driveway, this is essentially the same thing. Insurance companies are unlikely to pay out for these vehicles if they have been left unattended, which could leave people thousands of pounds out of pocket.

“Police are making inquiries to trace these vehicles and those responsible, but simply staying with the vehicle whilst it’s de-icing can save a lot of heartache for owners.”

Contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.