A police probe has been launched after a BMW 4 series was nicked from an East Kilbride driveway while the owner was reportedly defrosting the car.
The theft of the black vehicle took place in the Glen Farg area of the Lanarkshire town at around 1.20pm on Friday, January 3. It is understood the owner had left the car unattended with the engine running while leaving it to thaw as temperatures dropped last week when the theft occurred.
It is claimed the owner gave chase when he spotted the car being reversed out of the driveway, but the thief made off and was allegedly followed by an Audi at speed, Lanarkshire Live reports.
Police say enquiries are ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.20pm on Friday, January 3 we received a report of the theft of a vehicle from Glen Farg in East Kilbride. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
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Amid the recent cold snap, Lanarkshire cops are warning car owners to stay vigilant and not to leave their cars at risk of opportunistic thieves while defrosting them.
These thefts, called ‘frostings’, are happening within seconds of people leaving their cars unattended and officers are urging residents to keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles but more importantly, to remain inside your vehicle when it defrosting or switched on.
A police spokesman said: “On cold and frosty mornings, it might be tempting to leave your vehicle engine running and unattended while the windows defrost.
“Don’t ever leave your car unattended with keys in it, as opportunist thieves could easily steal it. It’s not worth the risk.
“Many insurers will not pay claims should a vehicle be stolen in this way, even if it is in a driveway.”
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