FROSTY WARNING TO VEHICLE OWNERS

LOCK it or lose it - that's the message from police as drivers are warned to take care of their vehicles during frosty mornings.

During cold spells such as this morning, some motorists may be tempted to leave their car engines running to heat up and de-ice while they wait inside the house in the warmth, leaving their vehicles and valuables vulnerable to theft.

Sergeant Andy Gregory, the force’s crime reduction supervisor, said: "The simple message from the police is do not leave a car unlocked, running and unattended for any length of time whether it is left on your own driveway to de-frost or at any other time.

"There are people who will steal if the opportunity presents itself and others who deliberately go in search of such opportunities - please do not give anyone the chance to steal your property."

Police also advise motorists to install a tracking device into their vehicles as this can assist in a speedy recovery of returning stolen vehicles to their owners.

Drivers can also get vehicle crime prevention advice by visiting the Safer Motors website at www.west-midlands.police.uk/safermotors.