OPPORTUNISTIC thieves have stolen four cars while they were left running and unattended.

The vehicles, which had their keys in the ignition, were taken from the Horsham area on Friday morning.

An Audi A1 was taken from Timber Mill at Southwater at 7.53am, followed by a Ford Kuga from Eversfield, Southwater at 7.54am, a Ford Zetec from Rowan Way at 8.49am and a Volkswagen Tiguan from Bens Acre at 9.06am.

Police have urged motorists not to leave their cars running unattended.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "It's an open invitation to opportunist thieves and they're gone in seconds.

"Exclusion clauses in many insurance policies may also mean that insurance is invalidated and it could turn out to be a very expensive demisting.

"That said, be patient and don't be tempted to drive without making sure that you have cleared windows and mirrors to ensure that your journey will be safe for you and safe for other road users."