POLICE have warned motorists not to leave their car engines running unattended after a rise in thefts across the borough during the cold snap.

The warning comes after a pregnant mother-of-one was driven into by a thug in Cleveland Road, South Woodford, on December 23, when she tried to stop him stealing her BMW.

She had left the engine running for a matter of seconds to collect something from inside her house when the thief jumped into the driver's seat.

A police spokeswoman said: "There has been an increase in vehicle thefts during this current cold spell.

"Police would like to remind you that whilst de-icing your windscreens, vehicles should not be left unlocked or unattended with engines running - Even outside your home address."

Neither the mother or her unborn child was seriously injured during the theft of the BMW.

Anyone with information about the incident, which took place at about 11.30am, should call Ilford police station on: 8478 1123.