A THIEF jumped into a motorist’s car and drove away as she was de-icing her windscreen.

The 64-year-old left the engine running while scraping ice from her car windows in Chingford Avenue on Tuesday (January 5) when a balaclava-clad man opened the driver’s door, got in and drove away.

The woman tried to open the passenger door to stop the man but as he drove away she fell, hitting her head.

She was taken to hospital by ambulance and treated for cracked ribs and a minor head injury.

The theft has prompted police to warn people about the dangers of leaving a vehicle running while de-icing.

A Waltham Forest police spokeswoman said: “This time of year, in frosty conditions, the temptation can be to leave the car on the drive or on the street with the engine running to defrost the windscreen.

“On icy mornings, never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running to warm it up or defrost the windows – not even for a minute.

“Always remove your keys when you leave the car as you would at a petrol forecourt.”

The theft of the black BMW 318 happened at about 8.15am.

The thief is described as white, about 5ft 10in, aged 25 to 30 years and wearing a black balaclava.

Witnesses are asked to call Det Con Matt Dearsley on 8345 3117 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter