Don't leave your car unattended whilst defrosting

We’re urging people not to leave their vehicles unattended while defrosting to help prevent a spike in vehicle thefts across Staffordshire. Between 6am and 10am, when most people are defrosting their vehicles ahead of going to work or doing their first journey of the day, thieves are looking for easy opportunities and have been targeting vehicles left unattended.

We are urging people not to make it easy for opportunists in this and future cold weather snaps. Please make sure you stay with your vehicles at all times when they’re defrosting or running. Even if it means you’re going to be slightly late, it is better than having your vehicle stolen. Insurance companies likely won’t pay out of vehicles are stolen while they’re left running with the keys inside. Please allow for extra time in the morning before setting off to make sure your vehicle is fully defrosted.

To report a theft or suspicious activity, please call 101 or via the Staffordshire Police Website in a non-emergency and 999 in an emergency.