CAR owners who leave their engines running to defrost them are being urged by police not to leave their vehicles unattended - or risk having them stolen.

Det Sergeant Andy Dixon of Lancashire Constabulary's stolen vehicle squad said: "This practice could present easy opportunities for thieves.

"We know from past experience that some car thieves specifically target vehicles that they see sitting on driveways with the engines running. As soon as the owner goes inside the house - usually to finish getting ready for work - they take their chance and drive the car away."

Owners of high powered performance cars or luxury models of cars are particularly at risk as many thieves will target these types of cars specifically. Although any car is under threat if a thief thinks he can make an easy getaway.

Det Sgt Dixon added: "At this time of year having your car stolen is more of an inconvenience than normal. Your car could be full of Christmas presents or could mean the owner is not able to travel to family for the festive period.