WARNINGS have been issued to drivers who leave their vehicles defrosting with the engine running after a victim had their car stolen early on Wednesday morning.

A Black Volvo V50, with a registration plate of AV61XCW, was stolen from the drive of a property on Grange Lane in Alvechurch as the owner left it unattended while defrosting.

The incident, which occurred between 7.20am and 7.30am on Wednesday, November 30, is one of a series of similar incidents across the region as thieves pounce on open cars.

Alvechurch and Wythall Safer Neighbourhood Team warned residents on Twitter not to leave their vehicles unattended while they are defrosting.

Detective Constable Fiona Paterson from West Mercia Police said: "Unfortunately there are opportunist thieves who will intentionally visit residential areas on cold frosty mornings to look out for cars which have been left with the engine running.

"During the current cold spell, it's important that motorists leave extra time to go outside and de-ice their windows themselves, rather than leaving the car unlocked and the engine running.

"Whilst this may feel like an inconvenience, it only takes a matter of seconds for a vehicle thief to jump in and drive off. By leaving your car unattended, you may end up losing more than just the ice on your windows."

Superintendent Kevin Purcell added: "Got £1k to £50k to give to a criminal? No? Please don't leave your car unattended with keys in whilst defrosting."

West Midlands Police, which covers areas of Bromsgrove, also urged for caution after 15 similar vehicle thefts in two days.

The incidents across Tuesday, November 29 and Wednesday, November 30, saw vehicles with a combined value in excess of £200,000 stolen.

Sergeant Andy Gregory, Force Crime Reduction officer, said: "It takes an opportunistic thief just seconds to jump into a vehicle and drive it off so it really isn’t worth the risk.

"Car security has a come a long way but by leaving keys in the car and the engine running it couldn’t be easier for someone to steal it."

Anyone with information on the incident on Grange Lane is urged to call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident reference number 0062s of November 30.