People are being warned about leaving their cars running while defrosting after a man was hospitalised during a theft and another car was stolen.
Two cars have been stolen this week and the owner of one was left injured after the thief knocked him to the ground and hit with his own vehicle.
He had to be treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was later released after receiving care.
Officers are now appealing for information and reminding owners to be vigilant while they defrost their cars during the ongoing cold snap.
The first theft happened at around 8.20am on Sunday when a black Volkswagen Passat was taken from a property in Loganlea Road, Addiewell.
The car was later recovered on the B7015 between West Calder and Stoneyburn.
A white Vauxhall Corsa, registration SD72 GPZ, was then taken from a property on Dick Gardens, Whitburn, around 9.40am on the same day.
It was during this theft the owner was injured.
The suspect is described as a male, aged 20-30, of medium build wearing a light blur beanie style hat and a black top.
Detective Constable David McDougall said: “Our enquiries are ongoing into these incidents and I am appealing for anyone with any information which may assist us to contact us.
“The owners of both of these vehicles had only momentarily left them unattended while the engine was running in order to defrost the car.
“With temperatures to remain low I would urge residents not to leave their cars unattended as it only takes seconds for an opportunist to take the vehicle.
“I would encourage people to use other options including covering windscreens at night or using manual scrapers or de-icing products.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 0983 of 11 December, 2022.
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