Sainsbury’s Warn Of “Frosting” Crime

With temperatures in many parts of the UK consistently below freezing this week, Sainsbury’s Car Insurance is warning motorists to be on their guard against ‘frosting’ car crime, where opportunist thieves take advantage of drivers who leave their cars unattended whilst warming up the engine. The bank’s research suggests that up to 15,000 households could fall victim to ‘frosting’ this year.

While it is not clear if she was a victim ‘frosting’ Princess Beatrice will be kicking herself after leaving the key to her £17,000 1 Series BMW in the ignition. According to the RAC website Westminster Police are investigating reports the princess’s car was stolen after she left it unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

Duke of York gave her now 20-year-old princess the car for her 17th birthday present. Despite being shadowed by a personal police protection officer at all times, it appears that somehow she managed to leave the 1-series in the West 1 area of London on the morning of 7 January.

At the time of going to press, no arrests had been man and the police had not managed to recover the stolen car.

With modern vehicles offering improved security measures, car thieves are having to be increasingly opportunistic. Motorists now face increased risk if they leave their keys in the ignition and their vehicle unattended whilst they de-ice their vehicle.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury’s Car Insurance Manager, said: “It may seem an unlikely crime but our research suggests that thousands of households are falling victim to ‘frosting’ every year. With sustained periods of low temperatures and the likelihood of having to defrost the car a couple of times a day, on the way to and from work, there is even more opportunity for the would-be car thief.

“Motorists need to be aware of the risks of leaving their vehicles running whilst unattended. They should also be aware that if their car was stolen with the keys in the ignition they would most likely not be covered by their insurance policy.”