A MAN had his car stolen after leaving the keys in the ignition and the engine running while he popped into a shop.

Now others are urged to learn from the victim's bitter experience.

He left his Citroen outside a newsagents on Carrs Road, Marsden, at 6.45am on Tuesday.

When he came out, it had gone.

Det Con Russ Conlon, of Kirklees Police Intelligence Unit, said: "If a car is stolen after being left with the keys in the ignition then the insurance company may not pay out and the victim will have lost everything."

Leaving the engine running in an unattended vehicle is also a criminal offence known as quitting and motorists could be given a £30 fixed penalty fine.

Det Con Conlon warned motorists not to leave their car defrosting with the engine running on frosty mornings, as opportunist thieves do cruise around looking for them.

Det Con Conlon said: "If the weather forecast indicates it will be frosty then get up earlier the following morning to give yourself time to defrost your car properly."