A 53-year-old woman’s car was stolen from her driveway while she was defrosting it.

The driver popped into her home for just a few seconds after starting her black Peugeot when it was stolen from outside her home in New Road, Hackbridge, on January 20, at 8pm.

However, on January 23, PC Jeff Turner and PCSO Sarah Holland-Baker, of Wandle Valley Safer Neighbourhoods Team, carried out a search of nearby roads and within two hours found the stolen car parked in McRae Lane, Mitcham.

Police carried out a forensic examination on the car but there was insufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation.

PCSO Holland-Baker said the victim was delighted to be reunited with her vehicle, especially as it was used by her disabled husband and her insurance company may not have paid out due to the keys being left in the ignition.

She added: “The victim was quite upset when the car and gone but was thrilled to have got it back it one piece.”