Christmas is coming early for many car thieves who are using the cold weather to steal cars, according to the RAC Foundation.

In the last few weeks there has been an increase in the number of 'frosting' thefts whereby opportunist 'Jack Frost' thieves target cars where the owners have left the engine running to defrost the windscreen.

Modern cars are now difficult to steal due to improved locks, alarms and immobilisers, so the car criminal is targeting the weakest link in the security chain, which is the car keys or driver. Other auto criminals turn their attention to older cars, with the most frequent target being small saloon cars and cars over 12 years old.

At this time of year motorists often have valuable Christmas presents in the car, which make rich pickings for the smash and grab merchants.

When out Christmas shopping, the most prudent advice is to park in a well lit, security patrolled area and ensure that all goods are firmly locked in the boot or covered in an estate.

Your car keys are the weakest link in the car security chain, so never give the car criminal the chance to steal your keys. Never leave your keys in the car when filling up with petrol or when defrosting the car. Make it more difficult for auto criminals this Christmas.

For years opportunist thieves have been seizing the opportunity to steal cars whenever they are left unattended for a few minutes - whether from petrol station forecourts, outside school or shops. Now they have caught onto the idea of nipping in while motorists leave their engines running while the car defrosts on icy mornings.

As the driver pops into the house for a quick cup of tea, the thief makes off with an early Christmas present. The moral of this one is obvious: never leave keys in the ignition and doors unlocked in an unattended car- even for a couple of minutes and even if it is sitting on your own driveway.

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