DRIVERS are being warned not to leave their car unattended to defrost after a vehicle was stolen from a driveway.

A white Nissan Juke was stolen from a driveway in Sandy Lane, Billingham at around 7.45am this morning (Friday, December 4).

Officers are appealing for information from the public after the NU12 plate car was driven off by an unknown person. The owner had only left the car for a few seconds and when she came out of the house she saw the car being driven onto Whitehouse Road.

PC Richard Sweeney said: “The owner of the car was doing what a lot of drivers do in the icy weather at this time of year, but unfortunately the consequences of this can be costly and far reaching; the owner has been left distraught because car thieves have taken the opportunity to strike.

“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed anything to call us as it may assist in the investigation and help us to locate the car and those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Richard Sweeney on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.