Lancashire Constabulary's stolen vehicle squad is warning people not to leave their cars unattended while they defrost on cold mornings.

People are being advised not to leave their vehicles unlocked, with the keys in the ignition, as they wait inside for car to warm up.

Last year a number of cars were stolen in this way and people are being urged to stay with their cars until they can drive off in them.

Detective Sergeant Simon Ingham, from Lancashire Constabulary's stolen vehicle squad, said: "It is really important people stay with their cars while they are defrosting as it is so easy for thieves to get away with vehicles which have been left unattended.

"Criminals know that drivers often do this and car thieves and opportunists are sometimes out and about very early in the mornings looking for easy pickings.

"What drivers also need to remember is that if their car is stolen in this way then their insurance is invalid, so for the sake of an extra 10 minutes inside your house it just isn't worth the risk."