The 38 year-old motorist’s leg was broken in two places when he was run over while trying to stop a thief stealing his car.

Only two weeks ago, Manchester United star Paul Scholes had his car stolen as it defrosted on his drive.

AA Insurance said owners who decide to defrost their car by starting the engine and leaving it to run for a few minutes are increasingly likely never to see their car again.

Both organised car criminals and opportunist thieves are among the few who welcome icy mornings, seizing the opportunity to seize unguarded cars.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: “This is the first time I have heard of a car owner being injured as he tried to stop the ‘ice bandit’ and my heart goes out to him and his family. The thief clearly didn’t give a second thought about the plight of his victim.

In 2011, it’s estimated that 65,000 cars worth £300m were stolen and never recovered.

Douglas added: “Insurance companies are highly unlikely to accept a claim for a car taken if the keys have been left in the vehicle and the owner isn’t present. The keys are the weakest link in the car security chain.

“The days of slipping a wire coat-hanger down the window to unlock a door and ‘hot wiring’ the ignition are long gone. Modern cars have sophisticated security systems which means thieves have had to change their strategy.

“They look for chances to jump in to a car at unguarded moments such as when the driver is feeding a pay and display parking machine or unloading shopping, when the keys may have been left in the vehicle.

“Homes are also increasingly being burgled purely to obtain car keys.

“But a car left ticking over on a drive, especially if the owner pops back indoors for a final cuppa or to gather their things for the day, is an open invitation.

“Too many car thieves gratefully accept that invitation.”