OPPORTUNISTIC thieves are on the lookout for an easy target this winter as residents leave their cars running outside their homes, police warn.

So called ‘de-icer thefts’ see criminals swooping to take vehicles on frosty mornings as drivers wait for their cars to warm up.

Police say it only takes a few seconds for a thief to take advantage of such an easy target and get behind the wheel.

Officers advise motorists to leave extra time for de-icing their car, and never to leave it running while paying for fuel or posting a letter.

And these thefts can even result in voided car insurance claims if the car is found to have been left insecure.

Thames Valley Police has issued video advice and winter driving tips (below), including not leaving your car unattended with the keys in the ignition.