Thefts
Overnight on Tuesday 28th / Wednesday 29th November a number of farms were targeted by offenders in the Whixley and Little Ouseburn areas. Items including chain saws, power tools and fuel have been stolen from stores and outbuildings. If you can provide any information which may help with our inquiries please call 101 and quote reference number NYP-29112017-0220.
Winter Advice
Following the season’s first sharp frosts, North Yorkshire Police would like to warn drivers of the risk of cars being stolen whilst defrosting. Thieves look out for unattended cars being defrosted with the engine left running.
Research has shown that 40% of drivers let their car’s engine clear icy screens before they drive off. But they are at serious risk of losing their car if they pop back indoors and leave the engine running, even for a moment.
Unfortunately, car owners will also get a cold reception from their insurance company as loss by leaving keys in an unattended vehicle is specifically excluded from motor insurance policies.
Don’t hand the thieves and early Christmas present!
Tips for defrosting your wind screen safely and effectively:
- While you use a scraper and de-icer on the outside of your car, starting the engine, switching on heated rear screen and mirrors and allowing air-conditioned air to circulate to gently warm the glass is the most effective way to clear frosted glass.
- Stay with the car all the time – if you must go back indoors switch off and lock the car.
- Do not drive off until all of the glass is clear
- Remember not to leave wipers in ‘auto’ when frost is expected – if wipers are frozen to the glass the wiper motor could be damaged. Don’t try to force frozen wipers off the glass
- Never use just-boiled water to clear glass – it could crack the glass, freezes quickly and could ice your wipers to the glass
- Clear all snow off the car, a soft brush is effective – making sure the front grille is clear (otherwise there is risk of the engine overheating).