Drivers of new and used cars are being urged to keep security in mind when they defrost their vehicles during the cold snap.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued a warning to drivers to not leave their cars or vans open to thieves in this way, no matter how cold the weather gets.

Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, said that even just a minute or two can be enough for a criminal to strike.

"Stay with your vehicle while it warms up, so that it is you that drives away in a warm car, not a thief," he added.

The warning follows a spate of incidents across the country in which a number of vehicles have been stolen since the icy weather began.

Leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition could be seen as not taking reasonable care, and might invalidate any van insurance claim if your vehicle is stolen in this way.