Police issue ‘frost-jacking’ warning after three car thefts

Motorists have been warned to beware of “frost-jacking” thieves after three cars were stolen while defrosting in wintry conditions.

Police are appealing for information after the three vehicles were taken from outside properties in Fife between 8am and 8.50am on Friday, while their owners had left them unattended.

The first car taken was an Audi A3 in Glenrothes, which was reported to police at around 8am.

The vehicle was traced in Kirkcaldy a short time later.

A second incident was reported to police at around 8.40am, when a black Hyundai i40 was stolen in Kinghorn.

The third vehicle taken was a blue BMW X3 on Abbots Walk, Kirkcaldy, which was reported missing at around 8.50am and traced nearby a short time later.

Police appealed for information about the so-called “frost-jacking” incidents and urged people not to leave their vehicles unattended while defrosting.

Detective Inspector Sammi Davidson said: “Our inquiries are ongoing into these incidents and I am appealing for anyone with any information which may assist us to contact us.

“The owners of these vehicles had left them unattended while the engine was running in order to defrost the car.

“With temperatures expected to remain low I would urge residents not to leave their cars unattended as it only takes seconds for an opportunist to take the vehicle.

“I would encourage people to use other options, including covering windscreens at night or using manual scrapers or de-icing products.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident 0727 of November 21.