A car has been stolen in Co Down after its owner left the engine running while defrosting the windows.
The Renault Clio was outside the Ballynahinch property between 6:55 and 7am on Monday 16 December when an unknown male got out of another vehicle in the area and made off in the Clio.
Police in Downpatrick issued a warning to drivers to take caution when defrosting cars this winter.
Sergeant McIlveen said: "It can be tempting for vehicle owners to leave the engine running when clearing ice from the outside of their car windows however this creates the perfect opportunity for a thief to strike.
"Security features in most modern cars are such that it is extremely difficult for thieves to steal them without the keys. As a result thieves have switched their attention to stealing the keys either through burglaries, thefts from coats/ handbags, or on occasions by stealing a car while it has been left running to defrost.
"The simple rule is take the keys out before you get out. Apart from the loss of your vehicle, its contents and, at worst, your vehicle, your insurance may not cover any losses if you have left the keys in an unattended vehicle.
"But if you remove the keys from the vehicle when you get out, even for a few seconds, you will substantially reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime.
"When your vehicle is unattended you should switch the vehicle engine off, remove keys from the ignition, lock the vehicle doors and keep the keys somewhere safe - even if you think you are only going to be away from your car for a moment.
"Leave some extra time on frosty mornings to thoroughly defrost your vehicle's windows. This may seem like an inconvenience, but it's a lot less trouble than having your car stolen.
"Anyone with information on the theft of this vehicle is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 284 16/12/19."
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