'OPPORTUNISTIC' thieves are targeting cars left unattended while being de-iced, police have warned.

With the return of cold weather and frosty mornings, a fresh spate of thefts are occurring in Oxford, officers have said.

PCSOs at a meeting of the Blackbird Leys Parish Council issued the warning, asking councillors to help spread the word that vehicles should not be left running as thefts are occurring.

Parish Council chairman John Dillon said: "Some people in the mornings will go out and turn their engine on to get rid of the ice before going back indoors while their windows defrost.

"But they will then come out and find their cars gone.

"We're not sure how often it has happened but we think it's a problem that goes beyond the estate and into other parts of Oxford.

"It's not something you ever really think about.

"It's perfectly understandable why you'd leave your car running while you do other things - I've done it before myself.

"It's never crossed my mind that it could be stolen."

Officers have urged drivers to ensure they remain with their cars at all times to reduce the risk of it being taken.

Car owners have previously be plagued by blase thieves who have struck even when cars have been left for just two minutes.

Marston couple Jim and Nicky Devine were victims in December 2016.

Mr Devine had turned the ignition on and popped inside to collect some tablets before returning to find his Ford Galaxy had gone.

To make matters worse, various personal items including a picture of their granddaughter were inside the car at the time.

A day after this incident, Claire Putt had her car stolen from outside her Great Milton home.

She said she went to her front door to grab her de-icing equipment and from the corner of her eye saw a man speed off in her car.

The two-week old Vauxhall Antara, worth £8,800, also contained children’s Christmas presents.

In winter 2017, at least nine cars were stolen over two months while their owners left them on to de-ice.

Thames Valley Police did not confirm how many thefts there have been so far this year but has previously strongly advised motorists de-icing their vehicles not to leave them unattended with keys in the ignition.