Police issue warning after VW Golf is stolen in Barnt Green (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Police issue warning after VW Golf is stolen in Barnt Green

4:53pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Local

BROMSGROVE police have issued a fresh warning for motorists after a VW Golf was stolen in Barnt Green this morning, (January 16).

The silver Golf was taken from the driveway of a house in Mearse Lane at around 7.50am after it was left for a short time with the keys in the ignition and the engine running, to defrost.

The vehicle's details were circulated to officers in the area.

It was then recovered around five miles away in May Farm Close, Wythall, after it was spotted by eagle-eyed Community Support Officer Vicky Elliott.

There was no-one in the Golf, which has now been taken for forensic examination prior to being returned to its owner.

Officers want to hear from anyone who may have seen it being stolen or noticed someone parking it in the road.

The theft has prompted a fresh warning for car owners not to leave their vehicles unattended while being defrosted.

Daily morning patrols are being carried out during the winter looking for vehicles vulnerable to theft, as they left de-icing outside homes.

Inspector Sharron Cannings, from Bromsgrove police, said: "Despite repeated warnings motorists continue to leave their cars at the mercy of thieves while warming up and de-icing them.

"Nobody seems to think it's going to happen to them but every winter people get caught cold by car thieves in this way.

"Leaving your car with the engine running in icy conditions is an invitation to opportunist thieves who are looking out for this."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers on non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 56-S-160113.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.