A sneaky thief swooped in as a driver left their engine running to de-ice their car.
Police said they received a report a car had been stolen at around 7.50am today on Lucas Avenue in Roby.
The car, a Ford Smax, was taken as the owner de-iced it this morning, according to a spokesperson from Knowsley Police branch of Merseyside Police.
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The incident led police to issue a warning to other car owners about the dangers of leaving a car unattended while de-icing it.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We have received a report this morning of a vehicle stolen in the Roby area.
"This has occurred whilst the owner was de-icing their car.
"Please do not leave your car unattended whilst it de-frosts - it only takes a matter of seconds for a thief to jump in and drive off."
According to Merseyside Police it is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather.
Police said if someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.
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