POLICE have issued a warning to drivers as they defrost their cars amid the current cold snap.

Motorists are being urged not to leave their vehicle unattended with the engine running while they wait for it to defrost. 

West Yorkshire Police said the force sees a rise in vehicle thefts during cold weather because of people doing just that. 

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Please don't leave your vehicle with the keys in the car - thieves look for any opportunity.

"We see an increase in theft of motor vehicles when the bad weather arrives due to people leaving vehicles unattended to defrost the windscreens while the engine is running."

The police warning comes as the UK is in the grip of an Arctic blast this week. 

The UK Health Security Agency has upgraded a cold weather alert from yellow to amber across Yorkshire, lasting until Friday, and urged residents to check in on loved ones.