With recent temperatures across the UK plunging below zero, stolen vehicle recovery expert Tracker Network (UK) Ltd is reminding motorists to be on high alert for ‘frost jacking’ – a growing opportunistic crime trend where thieves steal unattended stationary cars with the engine left idling to defrost windows and warm up the cabin.
Between November 2024 and January 2025, Tracker assisted police in recovering over £7.8 million worth of stolen vehicles, marking the winter months as the peak period for frost jacking incidents to occur.
Typically, frost jacking happens when drivers start their vehicles to clear frost and warm up the cabin, then leave them unattended with the keys in the ignition. This provides an open invitation for passing opportunistic thieves, who can easily get in and drive off illegally in seconds.
“While it’s tempting to leave your car running on those freezing mornings, the risk of theft is simply too high,” warns Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker. “The best advice is to stay with your vehicle while it defrosts, whether it’s on your driveway or parked on the street.
Combining practical precautions with effective technology is the smartest way to keep your car safe during the winter months.”
Why leaving your vehicle unattended matters
A running engine with keys left in the vehicle ignition (or keyless system accessible) is ideal for thieves. They only need a moment to jump in and drive off.
Insurance may not cover you if you leave engine running unattended with keys: many policies have a “keys in car” exclusion which can void cover if theft occurs under those circumstances.
Legal risk 1 : it’s an offence to leave a vehicle idling unnecessarily on a public road. Drivers who engage in ‘engine quitting’ – leaving a running vehicle unattended – could face fines ranging from £20 to £80, while failing to properly defrost a windscreen before driving could result in three penalty points and additional penalties.
“Although staying with your car may not be the most comfortable option on a frosty morning, it’s the safest choice,” continues Clive Wain. “It helps prevent theft, protects your insurance, and avoids fines. Fitting a Tracker device adds another powerful layer of protection, significantly increasing the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.”
