Thieves Receiving an ‘Easy Ride’, says HiQ

Despite repeated warnings not to do so, it appears a quarter of British motorists continue to give thieves more than a sporting chance by leaving their unattended vehicles unlocked and running while they warm up. This statistic was comes courtesy of the HiQ fast fit network, who questioned more than 200 motorists on their preferred method of tackling freezing winter mornings. In the company’s own words, a full 25 per cent “disappearing out of view while their cars warm up.”

“We asked motorists their preferred way of defrosting their cars,” commented HiQ fast fit manager Stuart Carr. “While 43 per cent of drivers said they use a scraper and a further 18 per cent use a de-icer spray, we were concerned that 25 per cent admitted to leaving the keys in the ignition.

“While the sub zero temperatures may have abated briefly in any areas, January and February are historically the coldest months of the year, so this issue is still very much relevant,” Carr continued. “Our advice is to allow a little extra time on frosty mornings and to stay with your car if you need to run the engine for a while to warm it up.” He added that many insurance companies will not pay out if they discover the vehicle has been left unattended and running with the keys in the ignition.