Six 'de-iced' cars taken in a day

The cold snap has seen an increase in the number of thefts

Six cars have been stolen in a day in Greater Manchester after they were left to de-ice by their owners.

Greater Manchester Police said the thefts brought the number of vehicles stolen since 1 January to 30.

The cars were stolen in the morning when drivers left their keys in the ignition and engines running.

Police are urging drivers not to leave their cars unattended and warn that insurance companies may not pay out on vehicles left with the keys in.

'Few seconds'

Ch Insp Haydn Roberts, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "People can be tempted to leave their car engine running on a frosty morning while they keep nice and warm inside their house.

"However, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a car when the keys have been left in the ignition.

"It is not only high-powered vehicles that are targeted and so our advice to all drivers is to stay in their vehicle when defrosting and if at any time they need to leave the car, to make sure they lock it, remove any valuables and take the keys with them."

Thefts have been reported in all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs.

North Manchester and Bury have the highest number at six each since 1 January.