A mistake many drivers make could leave them out of pocket.
Merseyside Police have issued a warning for when the cold weather returns over the festive season. Officers said it could take only 60 seconds for thieves to steal peoples cars.
This often happened when people defrost their windshields and leave their car unattended. Police have previously said that thieves are "opportunists who will take advantage of a any situation - however brief those moments may seem."
READ MORE: NHS nurse sacked for stealing two tablets from Merseyside hospital
The Met Office predicts places in the north, including Merseyside, will see colder weather over Christmas.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: "What I'm expecting in the run up to and through Christmas weekend itself is for southern parts to have temperatures near normal, northern parts to be a little bit colder and there will also be some changeable weather coming through so with that you could quiet easily get some wintry weather as we go towards Christmas, mainly towards the north."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "With the cold weather due to return over the festive period, remember that car thieves only need a split second to take advantage of carelessness. While defrosting your windshield, don't leave your car unattended - otherwise it could be gone in 60 seconds."
According to Merseyside Police it is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. Police said if someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Thomas Cashman pleads not guilty to murdering Olivia Pratt-Korbel
Dad told wife 'it's nothing to do with you girl' during drug arrest
M6 drivers caught using phone trick to avoid cameras
Murdered Ashley Dale's family 'living a nightmare' ahead of unbearable Christmas
Paramedics and ambulance staff strike in Liverpool latest as workers join picket lines
