Police in Scotland are investigating the theft of a BMW 4 series from a driveway in Glen Farg, East Kilbride. The incident occurred at approximately 1:20pm on Friday, January 3, when the owner reportedly left the car unattended while defrosting it. The owner had started the engine to allow the car to thaw as temperatures dropped, but when he noticed the car being reversed out of the driveway, he attempted to give chase. The thief managed to escape, allegedly followed by an Audi at high speed. The registration number of the stolen vehicle is T4 XDG.
According to reports, these thefts, known as ‘frostings’, are becoming increasingly common, with opportunistic thieves taking advantage of cars left unattended while defrosting. Police are urging car owners to remain vigilant and not to leave their vehicles at risk of theft during cold weather. It is advised not to leave cars unattended with keys in the ignition, as insurers may not cover theft in such circumstances, even if the vehicle is on a driveway.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated, “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the theft. We received a report of a vehicle stolen from Glen Farg in East Kilbride.” In light of these incidents, residents are reminded to stay inside their vehicles while defrosting them or when the engine is running, to prevent such thefts from occurring.
As winter conditions continue, it is crucial for car owners to take precautions to protect their vehicles from theft. Leaving a car unattended while defrosting can lead to opportunistic criminals taking advantage of the situation. By staying vigilant and following police advice, individuals can help prevent such incidents from happening in the future.