Warning over spate of car thefts

Motorists have been warned not to leave their vehicles running and unattended while defrosting them during the cold weather spell.

Police officers said drivers are starting their vehicles and leaving them to warm up while they go back into their homes.

Two vehicles have been stolen in the Beeston and Giltbrook areas over the past few days.

They were both stolen after their owners left the engines running.

Insp John Lees said: "People are starting their engines to de-ice windows and warm up the vehicle, but just because its cold, it doesn't mean that criminals aren't out and about.

"It only takes a couple of seconds for them to get in and drive off, so leaving your vehicle unattended with the engine running is making life easy for them.

"And insurance companies often won't pay out if a vehicle is stolen while it has been left unattended with the engine running", he added.