De-icing warning after car thefts

Police have renewed warnings for motorists to beware of thieves while de-icing their cars after four vehicles were stolen in Hertfordshire.

Police said cars left unattended on frosty mornings were "easy pickings" for thieves.

Vehicles have been stolen from the Harpenden, Redbourn, Rickmansworth and Berkhamsted areas in the past two days.

Hertfordshire Police warned drivers not to leave their cars unattended with the keys in the ignition while de-icing.

Det Supt Mark Drew said there had been several incidents where "opportunistic thieves" had made off with a car left unattended with the keys in the ignition and the engine running.

He urged motorists to devote the appropriate time to de-icing their car and said "an attempt to save time in the morning could result in causing you considerable inconvenience and expense".