Carlisle woman hurt as thief steals defrosting car
A woman was injured as she tried to stop a thief from making off with her car which was defrosting on her drive.
Police said the 30-year-old, from Tarnside in Carlisle, had left the vehicle's engine running to defrost the windscreen on Sunday morning.
When she noticed a man at the wheel she tried to prevent him from driving off and suffered minor injuries.
Cumbria Police said an 18-year-old man from Carlisle had been charged with assault and a number of motor offences.
The car was later found abandoned after having crashed into a tree.
A force spokesman said an 18-year-old had been charged with assault, aggravated vehicle taking and driving without insurance.
He was also arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
The spokesman added: "It is very tempting to leave your car unlocked while it defrosts, but we would always advise people to lock it with the spare key or if that is not possible, not to leave it unattended at all."