Motorists warned ‘be vigilant against cold weather thieves
CAR owners in Ballymoney and Moyle have been warned not to start their cars and leave them to de-ice unattended because of the risk of them being stolen.
The warning comes after opportunist thieves made off with six cars in Belfast within the space of 90 minutes while the vehicles were being de-iced and the engines running.
The thefts happened either when the owner was filling a kettle, using de-icer or letting the car heat up.
Police said this was a “gift” to thieves.
Ballymoney PSNI Inspector David Anderson said motorists had a tendency to leave their vehicles running during a cold snap to de-ice them or warm them up.
He continued: “Drivers should not switch their engines on and get out to scrape the exterior of their vehicles as cheeky thieves will also take this opportunity.
“This is a gift to nearby, opportunistic thieves who just jump into the vehicles and drive off.
“While it is good practice that all windows should be thoroughly thawed and cleared before driving, police would advise motorists to sit in the vehicle for the few minutes it takes to clear windows and heat the interior.
“Drivers should not switch their engines on and get out to scrape the exterior of their vehicles as cheeky thieves will also take this opportunity even though the owners are close by.”
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Weather for Ballymoney
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
