Urgent warning issued to anyone who has to defrost their windscreen

With temperatures still really low, many Brits would be waking up to frosted car windscreens.

And while you may be eager to defrost it so you can go about your day quickly, police have issued a warning to anyone doing so.

This comes after a driver and a motorist saw their vehicles being stolen while they were defrosting their car windows.

Former Police Interceptor Ben Pearson said: "You don't need to make your car the hardest car to steal in the world - just the hardest one to steal on your street.

"Today's thieves are often sophisticated and well-practised but if there is an easier target around they are much more likely to try their luck with that vehicle instead."

Mr Pearson also urged motorists not to leave their car unlocked and unattended, even if the advice sounds "patronising".

The expert added: "While not everyone has the luxury of off-street or garage parking, if you do, make sure you take advantage of it."

The average cost of an insurance premium rises by a staggering £629 following the theft of car.

"I can think of dozens of examples of cars stolen from in front of houses where the garage is full of useless junk, leaving what is often the second most expensive asset of the household exposed. Clear it out," the expert warned.

According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 130,270 cars were stolen in England and Wales last year. This is almost the same as the year before, when 130,389, and a steep jump from 2021, when 104,435 were taken.

The warning comes as another snow storm is expected to hit the country.

Parts of Britain are likely to be hammered by snow, rain and brutal 75mph gales as the latest weather maps show unsettled conditions for January 25.

WXCharts maps generated on Sunday, which are prepared using Metdesk data, suggest some areas will be hit by snow, while the rest of Britain is to be battered by strong winds.

The Met Office warned drivers to allocate more time for their journeys as snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous.

Drivers are cautioned to check for delays and road closures, leave more time to prepare and check their car, and check wipers, tyres and screenwash before setting off.