Police have issued a warning to car owners in Redditch over vehicle thefts in winter. 

Redditch South and Rural SNT said although vehicle crime is low across West Mercia, they receive a number of reports in winter from drivers who have had their cars stolen after leaving the engine running. 

Some vehicle owners go inside for just a few seconds and give thieves the opportunity to take their cars. 

A spokesperson for Redditch South and Rural SNT said: "Although vehicle crime is low across West Mercia, every winter the force receives a number of reports from drivers who have had their cars stolen after leaving the engine running, while they wait in the warmth of their home for it to heat up and defrost the windscreen.

"Some vehicle owners nip inside for just a few seconds to collect a bag or finish the last mouthful of their breakfast coffee, but that’s all the time an opportunist thief needs." 

Officers have now issued some important advice to residents including to clear their windscreens with de-icer or a scraper and to sit in vehicles whilst the heater de-mists the windscreen. 

Redditch SNT added: "Drivers who ignore this advice are taking big risks.

"Many of the vehicles are never recovered and some might be shipped overseas.

"It is also worth remembering if your car is stolen when keys have been left in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you. If your house keys are stolen along with your car, your home is then vulnerable too."