POLICE have re-issued a warning to drivers to not leave vehicles unattended while de-icing, as several reports of theft have been made within two days.

Two vehicles were reported stolen on Tuesday morning, December 17, at around 9am as a 19-plate black Vauxhall Astra was taken from an address on Sutherland Grove in Norton.

A 67-plate Nissan Juke was stolen minutes later on Whitehouse Road in Billingham.

Today, Wednesday December 18, a 65-plate Volkswagen Golf was taken from outside an address on Kempston Way, Norton, at around 8:30am, while it was left to de-ice.

There were also two vehicles taken whilst left unattended to de-ice in Eaglescliffe on Tuesday November 19.

Sergeant Lee Wilson, from Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “We see incidents like this happening time and time again, and despite repeated warnings we are still seeing vehicles being left unattended whilst they de-ice.

"Opportunist thieves are out there looking for these vehicles, and within seconds they can jump into someone’s car and drive away.

“People wouldn’t leave thousands of pounds unattended on their driveway, this is essentially the same thing.

"Insurance companies are unlikely to pay out for these vehicles if they have been left unattended, which could leave people thousands of pounds out of pocket.

“Police are making enquiries to trace these vehicles and those responsible, but simply staying with the vehicle whilst it’s de-icing can save a lot of heartache for owners.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org