Appeal for information after unattended car stolen while defrosting

We are reminding motorists not to leave their car keys in the ignition and engines running while they defrost their windscreens following a recent vehicle theft in Bucknall.

We responded to reports of a red Citroen C4 Picasso stolen from Malcolm Drive at around 7.15am on Thursday (19 January).

The car was parked on the road before being stolen.

We are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage at the time of the theft.

Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, of Stoke North Local Policing Team, said: “Don’t make it easy for opportunist thieves - they don’t even have to go to the trouble of breaking into your vehicle if you have left it running for them. Your insurance company may not pay out if your vehicle is stolen in this way.

“Please give yourself a bit more time in a morning to prepare your vehicle safely before you set off, to help you to stay safe on the roads.

“Dig out the scraper and de-icer so that you can de-frost your windows, or use a windscreen cover overnight.

“If you need to defrost your vehicle, ensure you stay with it and don't leave it unattended with the keys inside.”

For more information on how to prevent vehicle theft, visit our website.

Anyone who has any information of the incident, is asked to contact us on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101, quoting incident number 112 of 19 January.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.