DON'T give car thieves an easy ride on cold mornings - that's the advice from West Mercia Police as the thermometer drops below zero.

Every winter the force receives reports from drivers who have had their cars stolen after leaving the engine running, while they wait in the warmth of their homes for it to heat up and defrost the windscreen.

Some owners nip inside for just a few seconds to collect a bag or for a last mouthful of coffee - but that's all the time an opportunist thief needs.

To 'freeze out' the thieves, West Mercia Police advises motorists to: clear windscreens with de-icer and a scraper, and then sit in their vehicles while the heater de-mists the windscreen.

A spokesman said: "Drivers who ignore this advice are taking big risks. Thieves will drive around residential areas looking for likely targets.

"When they spot a vehicle with its engine left running on a drive or outside a home, it's there for the taking. One person will be dropped off, get into the target vehicle and simply drive away.

"Many of the vehicles are never recovered, and some, especially high-value models such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi, may be shipped overseas.

"It is also worth remembering if your car is stolen when keys have been left in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you. If your house keys are stolen along with your car, your home is then vulnerable too. So, this winter, don't give criminals an easy ride by leaving your car running unattended."