Auction Finder
21 Aug 2018
LAMMA 2021
25 May 2021
'Defend your Defender' as organised criminal gangs target rural vehicles
Farmers must be vigilant and ramp up their security measures following the rising spate in Land Rover Defender thefts, NFU Mutual and North Yorkshire Police have said.
At least four Defender thefts a week were reported to the insurer in January and while numbers fell to six a month from April to June, the firm has seen a sharp rise in thefts reflective of pre-Covid-19 levels.
Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, said: “Land Rover Defenders continue to be a target for thieves and every week farmers and enthusiast owners are waking up to find their precious Land Rovers gone – or stripped of bonnets, doors and wings.
“There is a burgeoning black market for parts, with many of these beloved classics getting dismantled in driveways and farmyards, or being whisked away to chop shops."
Read More
21 incidents, involving the theft of 15 Land Rover Defenders and interference of six, were reported to North Yorkshire Police this year, with Craven and Ryedale the worst hit areas.
Speaking about North Yorkshire Police (NYP) new campaign, Defend Your Defender, Inspector Matt Hagen, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce said: “Land Rovers continue to be the workhorses of many farms and rural businesses – so when they are stolen or damaged it has a significant impact.
“That is why it is so important to check your security, and put in place extra measures to defend your defender.
“Vehicle trackers in particular are invaluable, and can make all the difference in recovering a stolen vehicle and identifying suspects.”
“We are making life as difficult as possible for criminals.”
He added patrols were proactively stopping and checking Land Rovers, using ANPR technology to target suspicious vehicles linked to thefts.
Claim costs for thefts of Defenders rose 34 per cent to £2.1 million in 2019 according to NFU Mutual.
A combination of physical security and electronic measures to protect vehicles have been advised by NFU Mutual and NYP.
Top tips:
- Fit a vehicle tracking system
- Always leave your vehicle locked and alarmed if possible
- Park in a locked garage or other secure area if you have one, or in a well-lit open space if not
- Consider fitting an after-market approved immobiliser such as a steering wheel or pedal lock
- Consider marking component parts with a forensic marking solution or system
- Consider fitting a hidden battery isolation or a fuel cut-off switch
- Never leave the vehicle’s keys in the ignition, in the same outbuilding as the vehicle, or near your front door inside your home
- Be vigilant when using your vehicle for anyone taking an interest in it
- Have the vehicle’s windows etched with the vehicle identification number
- Take photographs of unusual features, modifications, damage or repairs which could
- aid identification if stolen
- Review your home and business premises security – consider CCTV, gates etc
Most Read
Most Recent
Volatility highlighted in income forecasts
49
Sewage dumped in rivers sparks farmers' fury
338
127
82
Boosting exports outside the EU
122
Scottish farm incomes plunged in 2019/20
57
79
Flying Hereford trade at Shrewsbury
223
Farmer trampled in pen containing 17 bulls
2300
Will frosts knock flowering OSR?
123
44
170
New young sire options for Holstein breeders
93
123
DNA data could benefit the beef industry
69
New sheep scab project success
49
Farmers Guardian and FarmersGuardian.com are trademarks of Farmers Guardian Ltd, a subsidiary of AgriBriefing Ltd.
All material published on FGInsight.com and FarmersGuardian.com is copyrighted © 2021 by AgriBriefing Limited. All rights reserved.
