Vehicle Crime

Frosty Mornings

With colder mornings and hard frosts, Staffordshire Police  is urging drivers not to leave their vehicles unattended while defrosting their windscreens.

During the winter months there is often an upsurge in the theft of vehicles left unattended in this way. Thieves look out for those which have been left unattended with the engine running as the owner goes back into their property. Some insurance companies will not pay out when vehicles are stolen in these circumstances. Always ensure your vehicle is securely locked.

It’s important to be able to see and be seen, it only takes a few minutes to scrape the ice from all the windows, clear snow off the roof and check all your lights are working. Make sure your tyres are legal and the pressure correct so they grip the road. Drive according to conditions. Slow down if it is icy, snowing or foggy.

Keep an emergency kit (shovel, torch, blanket, de-icing equipment and water) in your vehicle in case of extreme weather conditions.

Plan ahead.

For further information check out Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership website at www.ssrp.co.uk/winter