POLICE are stepping up patrols over fears that thieves are targeting cars left running and unattended on frosty mornings.
They say drivers should not leave keys in the ignition while waiting for the car to de-frost.
Last winter, 20 vehicles were stolen this way in Solihull borough including five BMWs, two Land Rover Freelanders, a Jaguar X-Type, a Mercedes B-Class and Volvo S80.
A West Midlands Police statement said they would “be on the look-out for suspicious individuals”.
Vehicle crime team leader Sergeant Craig Hurst said: "People still have a tendency to start up their cars and put the heater on to de-ice the windscreen and warm the interior.
“They'll then head indoors to collect some things or finish their cup of coffee, thinking the car's perfectly safe on the driveway – but a thief only needs a few seconds to jump in and drive off.
"It is vital motorists don't leave their car unattended.”
Expensive cars were targeted, he said
Sgt Hurst said: "We'll have additional patrols out from 5am till 9am on mornings we believe temperatures will fall below sub-zero.
“Our officers will look for people who've left running vehicles unattended, offer them advice, and also tour the streets stopping and speaking to suspicious individuals.”
