Biba is concerned that there could be a dramatic increase in the number of cars being stolen as owners leave their vehicles unattended with their windows or roofs open.

It has warned motorists that by failing to take precautions to secure their vehicles, their insurance policies could be invalidated if either their car or items inside are stolen.

During the year around one in 85 cars are stolen. This increases to around one in 27 for cars that are broken into.

Graeme Trudgill, Biba's technical services manager, said: "Motorists must be aware that if their vehicle or possessions are stolen under such circumstances, insurers may not pay out as policies include a ‘reasonable care' clause, whereby the insurer may reject a claim on the grounds of the policyholder being ‘reckless' in not safeguarding the vehicle."

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