Woman’s car is stolen after she left engine running to defrost windscreen

A car was stolen in the Valleys while the owner was defrosting the windscreen.

Police were alerted to the incident which occurred at around 7am on Wednesday, November 3 outside the owner’s home in Mountain Ash.

Police said she had left her engine running for a few minutes to defrost her screen, and had gone back into her house.

A man came from the direction of Fernhill and seized the opportunity to jump in the car before driving it back in the direction of Fernhill.

Read more: Read more: Find all the latest news in Cynon here

Officers are now trying to locate the stolen car which is a black Ford Fiesta with distinctive paw print stickers on the boot.

The man has been captured on CCTV in the area and officers are appealing for anybody who can identify him to make contact.

PC Thomas Evans said: “As the temperature drops these types of crimes rise, unfortunately.

“There are opportunists out there who will be watching what you do and be back for your car on another cold morning.

“My message is never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.

“It’s a simple measure which can prevent this crime altogether. We’d like to hear from anybody who may have information about this particular incident”.

Anybody who has information can contact South Wales Police using ref: *385235, by any of the following means:

Want the latest news from Cynon Valley straight to your inbox? Sign up for free here