Police issue warning after spike in Land Rover Defender thefts

Theft claims have increased by 8 per cent in 2015 to £1.8 million according to NFU mutual.

The increase is thought to be due to the iconic vehicle stopping production in January this year.

Eight vehicles have been stolen from Lincolnshire alone in the past three months, with a further 14 cases reported of parts being stolen from the now ’classic’ car.

Security

Sally Picker, Lincolnshire’s crime reduction tactical adviser, said the incidents meant owners needed to be ’on their guard’.

Ms Picker said: "These incidents have taken place at both residential addresses and on farms and we need owners to be on their guard.

"If you have a Land Rover Defender, please make sure it is secure in a garage and is fitted with an alarm and tracking device.

"In some cases, thieves have still been able to make off with the vehicle or parts from it, but taking these measures significantly increases your chances of preventing a theft."

Rural crime

Police in Somerset carried out stop check operations in March to help tackle a variety of rural crime issues.

In addition to this the police officers stopped a number of Land Rover Defenders in order to make sure they knew how to properly secure their sought-after vehicles.

Lincolnshire farmer and founder of Forage Aid Andrew Ward is appealing for information after his rare Land Rover Discovery was stolen containing vital farm paperwork and his MBE medal.

NFU Mutual’s annual rural crime report showed criminals cost the UK rural economy £42.5 million in 2015, up from £37.8m in 2014.

Classic car

NFU mutual’s rural affairs specialist, Tim Price said: “The driving force behind the rise in Defender thefts is its new ‘classic’ status after production ceased in January 2016.

“We urge all Defender owners to keep the vehicle in a locked building or out of site off the road side.”