Stark de-icing warning for North East drivers after opportunist Gosforth car theft

Residents in Newcastle and across the North East have been issued a stark warning from police about safety when de-icing cars in this frosty weather.

At around 7:45 am on Tuesday, officers from Northumbria Police were alerted that a car had been stolen outside an address in Gosforth. It transpired that the victim had the engine running and was de-icing his car – but when his back was turned, offenders managed to jump into the vehicle and make off.

An investigation was immediately launched, and within two hours, officers had successfully tracked the stolen car and located it in the Walkergate area of Newcastle. Two suspects – aged 50 and 35 – were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and have been brought into police custody. The car has since been seized and will be returned to the victim following police enquiries.

Officers are now appealing to the public to be vigilant during the cold weather and take a few steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Chief Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “This was a fantastic outcome as officers responded swiftly and effectively to this reported theft. Within two hours, we had been able to trace the car to a location around four miles away and officers were quickly on hand to detain two suspects at the scene. A full investigation is ongoing into this incident.

“In recent days, we have received a number of reported thefts or attempted thefts which have involved car owners leaving their vehicles unattended with the engine running while it defrosts.

With the adverse weather expected to continue over the coming days, I would urge members of the public to be aware of this type of criminality – often offenders will go street to street looking for an easy opportunity.

“Please do not leave your cars unattended whilst the windows defrost and the interior heats up. It can take a matter of seconds for a thief to jump into your vehicle and make off.

We’d ask everyone to continue to be vigilant and do not leave your vehicle unattended. You may also consider covering your windscreens at night, or alternatively using a manual scraper.”

Anyone who sees anything suspicious in their community is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.