A CAR was stolen from outside a house after its owner left it running to defrost.

Thieves struck in Calderdale in the Broadway area of Southowram, near Brighouse, yesterday morning.

Police say a Mercedes SLK-Class was stolen.

Sgt Warren Pitman said: “On this particular occasion the owner of the vehicle had started his car and gone back into the house for only a short time.

“When he returned, he found that it had been stolen.

“It can be tempting to leave the engine running while you stay warm in your house and wait for your car to defrost, but I would urge people to keep security at the forefront of their mind.

“People can become preoccupied in a morning, particularly when they are in a rush for work, but it can take just seconds for someone to steal valuable items from your vehicle or even jump in your vehicle and drive away.

“People should also consider the consequences it may have on their insurance claims as companies may not pay out if you have left your vehicle in this way.”

Anyone with details about the theft is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number, 101.