POLICE are reminding people not to leave cars unattended to defrost, following the theft of a vehicle in Lickey yesterday morning, (February 5).

The light blue, five-door Polo - registration FV60 RFJ - was taken from outside a house in Monument Lane at about 6.45am, when it was left with the keys in the ignition for a short time.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw the car being driven away or anyone acting suspiciously in Monument Lane at around that time.

One of the householders, who is not being named, said: "While de-icing the car my wife went to get some warm water to put on the windscreen. She was only in the house for a few minutes when it was taken.

"The house can't be seen from the road and from footprints in the snow it would appear that the thieves were hiding behind some bushes nearby, so it looks like they were just waiting for the opportunity.”

A woman’s purse was left in the car and bank cards had to be cancelled after the incident, while locks to the property have also been changed.

During the recent cold spell officers carried out daily morning patrols looking for vehicles left vulnerable to theft while de-icing outside homes.

They regularly handed keys back to the owners and gave them advice after finding cars unattended with the engine running.

PC Greg Palmer said: "Unfortunately we have cars stolen in these circumstances every winter and it's really important that as many people as possible are made aware of the fact this can and does happen.”

Anyone who sees the VW Polo, or has any information about the theft, is asked to call PC Palmer at Rubery Police Station on non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 47-S-050213.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.