Thefts of vehicles in South Devon which were left with engines running to de-ice

An investigation has been launched following reports of several car thefts in Devon this morning, Tuesday 16 January.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team at Devon & Cornwall Police are now seeking the public’s help in locating the following stolen vehicles:

Red VW T-Roc index WJ20 XUR White Peugeot 3008 index DA68 HLG. Silver BMW X1 Estate index KM18 KNH Black BMW 520 index BJ18TDB

The first report was received at around 7am this morning that a vehicle had been taken from Totnes Road in Newton Abbot.

The vehicle had been left on a driveway unattended with the engine running in an attempt to de-ice the car.

Two unknown people were seen on the driveway when the car and was taken.

Officers are carrying out searches for the vehicle which was a five-door red VW T-Roc with registration WJ20 XUR.

Police received a further report at around 8.10am to reports that a vehicle had been taken from a property in Tedburn St Mary.

Again, the vehicle had been left on the driveway unattended with the engine running in an attempt to de-ice the car. 

An unknown person took the car and drove off. The vehicle was a five-door white Peugeot 3008 with registration DA68 HLG.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police quoting Log 152 16/01/24.

Police were notified at around 8.30am to Half Moon Village in Newton St Cyres following reports that two vehicles had been taken from a garage forecourt.

The vehicles were a silver BMW X1 Estate index KM18 KNH, and a four-door black BMW 520 index BJ18TDB. They had been left unattended on the forecourt with the engines running in an attempt to de-ice the cars. 

Officers, assisted by the police helicopter, carried out searches for the vehicles which were seen driving on the A377 towards Exeter.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police quoting Log 173 16/01/24.

Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, of the Roads Policing Team at Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “Earlier today, Devon & Cornwall Police received several reports of stolen vehicles in and around Exeter. All of the vehicles in question had been left unattended, with the engines running, in an attempt to de-ice windscreens.

“We know it can be tempting to start your car and wait in the warmth of your home while ice defrosts but leaving your vehicle unattended while running can attract thieves and, if parked on a public road, you may be breaking the law.

“Cold weather is forecast for the rest of the week, so we’re urging motorists to allow for extra time to de-ice their vehicles in the mornings. Please don’t leave vehicles running if unattended.”

If you have any information that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting 173 16/01/24

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.