POLICE are warning motorists not to leave their vehicles unattended while they defrost after a car was allegedly stolen from a driveway in Colehill.

The car was stolen from the Northleigh Lane area around 8.30am on Monday morning.

The owner had left the car running to defrost the windows and returned to the property.

It is believed that thieves were waiting in a nearby car then quickly jumped into the vehicle and drove off.

A Dorset police spokesman confirmed that a 23-year-old man from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a vehicle.

He has been released on police bail until January.

Officers from the Ferndown central safer neighbourhood team are hoping this incident will act as a warning to others.

"Criminals are aware that residents will defrost their cars in this manner and will wait close by for the right moment.

"It is an easy and fast method of vehicle theft and leaving cars unlocked and engines running with invalidate any insurance claims.

"Please be aware of this through the cold winter months, also remember that it is not only a safety matter but a criminal offence not to clear your windscreen before driving on the highway.

"This can result in fines, points, injury and even death."