UK drivers warned of 'lazy' mistake which could lead to car being stolen - 'An open invitation'

UK drivers have been warned that a lazy mistake could lead to their car being stolen or the contents being taken.

The AA and police warned that a tell-tale sign known to thieves can let them know if a car is locked or not.

Some vehicles have folding electric wing mirrors on them, moving when the car is locked or unlocked.

Thieves can research which motors have the feature and add them to their list of cars to look out for when they are out.

Former police chief inspector Dr Kevin Floyd interviewed convicted thieves and asked them about their tactics.

He told the Mirror: “With modern cars nowadays, open wing mirrors equate in the thief's mind with an open door. It's as simple as that. It's a green flag. It's as easy as walking along the street.

"They don't want to try the doors because they are so sensitive they will set off an alarm but if the mirrors are open, then it's confirmation the car is unlocked and no alarm will go off.

Thieves in December took advantage of the cold weather by stealing cars while the owners left them open to defrost.
Gareth Fuller

"They can then sit there, pretend to be the owner and take as long as they want to have a good look around and either nick things or steal the car. It's an open invitation."

"The other basic mistake is leaving valuables in the first place because the car owners are lazy.

"It is not just valuables with a financial value but valuables that can be used to commit more theft. For example, people may leave a bunch of house keys and a letter with their address in there."

Police have also warned drivers to not leave their vehicles unattended when leaving them running to defrost.

Thieves in December took advantage of the cold weather by stealing cars while the owners left them open to defrost.

The AA and police warned that a tell-tale sign known to thieves can let them know if a car is locked or not.
Andrew Matthews