Car stolen in Telford as driver leaves it unattended with engine running
Police in Telford have today re-issued a warning to motorists after a car was stolen in Dawley.
The driver of the car left her house and went outside to start her car - that was parked at the rear of the property - to warm it up around 8.45am on Friday. She then left the car running with the keys in the ignition and went back inside to fetch her son and load up the car.
When she returned to her car - a black Volkswagen Golf - she discovered that it had been stolen. She had been gone no more than five minutes before returning to the car.
The victim has no idea which direction the thieves made off in once they had stolen her car.
A police spokesman said: "Unfortunately incidents like this do happen once wintry weather arrives and it's important that people do lot leave their vehicles vulnerable in this way.
"You wouldn't usually leave your car unlocked, unattended and with the keys in it, so why risk it in winter for the sake of a few minutes to heat your car up?
"That's all the time it takes for an opportunistic thief to drive off with your vehicle whilst you're waiting inside keeping warm.
"Despite repeated warnings, drivers continue to leave their cars unattended on driveways or on the street outside their properties in order to de-ice them.
"Nobody seems to think it's going to happen to them but every winter we receive calls from people who are caught unawares by car thieves when their backs are turned.
"Thieves will drive around residential areas looking for likely targets - when they spot a vehicle with its engine left running on a drive or outside a home, it's there for the taking.
"One person will be dropped off, gets into the target vehicle and simply drives away.
"It is also worth remembering if your car is stolen when keys have been left in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you. Thieves see frosty mornings as an opportunity - don't give them the satisfaction by taking unnecessary risks.
"Meanwhile, anyone who believes they may have information about the theft in Dawley is asked to call police in Telford on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that information can also be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
