MOTORISTS have been warned not to fall victim to "ice bandits" as the cold weather takes hold in Bolton.

The "bandits" are opportunist thieves who prey on drivers who leave their cars running and unattended outside their homes while the windows are defrosting.

On Thursday five high performance cars were stolen in Greater Manchester before 9am. Last winter several unattended cars were stolen in the Bolton area.

Police are urging motorists to be on their guard with the arrival of the first cold snap.

They are also warning drivers that it is an offence to leave vehicles unattended on the road with the engine running.

PC John Heyes, crime reduction adviser for Bolton Police, said: "As the weather starts to get colder, thieves walk around the streets of Bolton looking for cars that have been left running.

"They are also on the lookout for people who have left their engines running while they run into the newsagents or service stations for a paper.

"It only takes a second to steal a car. I would advise motorists not to do this."