POLICE have issued a warning after three motorists had their cars stolen after leaving them to defrost during the recent cold weather snap.

The drivers had each gone outside and set the vehicle's engines running before returning to their homes.

Police said the routine was all opportunist thieves needed to strike and drive the cars away.

A black Saab 9000, registration number P867 UGK, disappeared from Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, at 7.30am yesterday .

And at about the same time a black Renault Clio Sport, registration number PE 51 2GU, was stolen from Rhodes Avenue, Blackburn.

Both cars had been left running with their heaters on.

Police said they were not linking the incidents.

Two hours later, a grey Ford Sierra, registration number E179 AVR, was taken from outside a shop in New Bank Road, Blackburn, after its owner had left the keys in the ignition.

PC John Wharton, of Blackburn police, said: "It was a frosty morning and the thieves clearly spotted that the car's engines were running.

"We want to warn people about leaving their cars like this when they are unattended.

"It's easy pickings for thieves."

PC Wharton said they were looking for a white male, 5ft 10ins tall , of slim build, and wearing a white top and jeans, in connection with the theft of the Sierra in in New Bank Road.