COMPANY car drivers who leave windows open and roofs down in the hot weather dramatically increase their chances of becoming a victim of car crime.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) fears a dramatic increase in stolen cars because of seasonal habits and is warning motorists that their insurance policies could be invalidated if their car or items inside are stolen.

Annually, one in 85 cars will be stolen and one in 27 will be broken into.

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA’s technical services manager, said: ‘Cars are becoming increasingly difficult to steal but during the summer months opportunistic thieves will be keeping an eye out for vehicles that are left open and unattended.’