Police warning: Stay with your car when you scrape off that ice

Knowing that, legally, all windows on vehicles have to be clear with no obstructions before beginning their journey, drivers are taking the risk of leaving their engines running to defrost on a chilly morning and heading back to the warmth inside their homes.

This is an opportunity for thieves to strike and often vehicle owners may find that not only have they lost their transport to work or school but also their insurance companies will not honour their claims.

The advice to motorists includes covering windscreens overnight if frost is forecast and making sure you lock your vehicle, remove any valuables and take your keys with you.

A spokesman said: “We don’t want residents to lose more than just ice on your windows so would like to encourage you not to leave your cars unattended.”