Canberra thieves are targeting vehicles left unattended in driveways - many left to defrost on chilly mornings - and no vehicle is above their touch.
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A rare $110,000 Porsche was stolen from a Monash driveway when its owner left it for five minutes before going to work.
Alec Cortez's black sports car was his pride and joy, so it was particularly painful for him to watch security camera footage of thieves capitalising on his mistake.
It took just seconds for the thieves to reverse into his driveway, seat themselves in the open car, and speed away with a puff of smoke.
"I wouldn't have been in there for longer than five minutes and when I came out, it was gone. Some mongrel had stolen it," Ms Campbell said.
Mr Cortez's car was found by police later that night at Kimberley Gardens, in Wanniassa. His personalised number plates had been replaced with those from a stolen Holden.
"I feel like rats have been through my car," he said. "I didn't really hit me until I went to pick the car up from the police and saw the forensic dust all over the car.
"There appears to be a lot of car thefts in Canberra at the moment and a community focus could assist in leading to a conviction. The thief must be a local's son, brother, friend or relative."
Mr Cortez said there was no doubt this was a targeted theft, as his car was usually parked in a locked garage behind his house.
"I woke up early so I thought I had some time to clean my wheels, which got a bit messy," Mr Cortez said. "I went inside to wash my hands because they were filthy and that's when it happened.
"The car is very unique and only one of 500 ever made, currently valued at $110,000."
An ACT Policing spokesman said a number of vehicles had been reported stolen after being left running in driveways to warm up and defrost.
"Sure, no one likes a frosted windscreen - in fact driving without a clear view is an offence - but please don't make it easy for thieves and leave your cars running and unattended," said the spokesman.
Mr Cortez is hopeful someone may be able to identify the men seen stealing his car.
"I note the jacket worn by the thief is a distinct Canterbur brand and the car appears to be a late '90s maroon Mazda 121 or Hyundai Excel missing the left hubcap," he said.
Ms Campbell, whose car has not yet been discovered, has urged others to pay close attention to their cars while they are defrosting.
"A day after the theft I was on my way to work with a friend and we noticed several cars sitting in driveways defrosting, waiting for another mongrel to come along," she said.
