MOTORISTS are being urged not to leave vehicle engines running unattended whilst defrosting their windscreens following a spate of car thefts across the district.

The first theft took place just before Christmas on Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at Kettlebury Way, Ongar, where a Ford Mondeo was left with its engine running on the drive to defrost its windscreen.

The second and third thefts both took place at around 7.40am on Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

One was in Chigwell High Road, where a man left his Ford Ranger engine running while he nipped into a shop. The man's mobile phone and I-pod left in the car were also stolen.

In the other incident at Beatrice Court, Buckhurst Hill, a black Smart car was left with its engine running on the drive to warm up.

Epping Forest crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: “Don’t rush to defrost your car, allow plenty of time to defrost it thoroughly before driving off and never leave your car running unattended outside. It is not safe. The steam from a running car will attract thieves like a magnet.

“If you do leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition and it is stolen, you may find that you are not insured. You have been warned."