Thieves target cars left with keys in ignition

THIEVES stole two cars that had been left with their keys in the ignition.

A Hyundai Getz was taken from Ragdale Road, Bulwell, around 5.10pm on Monday while the owner went to lock some gates.

Three men got into the car and despite the woman trying to stop them they drove away. It was later found abandoned nearby.

Another vehicle was targeted at around 7am on Monday, when s a woman left her keys in a BMW 316i when she went into a shop in Newark.

When she returned to her car, a man pushed her out of the way, got inside the vehicle and drove away.

The woman's handbag containing her mobile phone was still in the car. The BMW was later found abandoned in Top Valley, Nottingham.

Over the last month 16 vehicles are believed to have been stolen with keys left inside across the countys.

Mike Gough, Crime Reduction Manager for the City, said: "People often do not realise that it is an offence for a vehicle to be left unattended with the engine turned on in a public road. A fixed penalty of £30 can be issued.

"People start their engines to de-ice windows and warm up the vehicle, but cold weather does not prevent criminals from operating."