Derbyshire Land Rover owners urged to be vigilant after spate of car thefts this year

There have been four thefts or attempted thefts of Land Rovers in the Derbyshire Dales area since September, which makes the total number of cars stolen up to seven since February this year.

Models such as Defenders, Evoques and Range Rovers have been targeted in the thefts, with keys also stolen to take the vehicle in some instances.

In one case, parts of the car were taken from the vehicle.

The crimes have all been stolen from rural Derbyshire areas such as Baslow, Bakewell, Marston Montgomery, Bolehill, Beeley, Youlgrave and Hathersage.

Officers have encouraged car owners to ensure their vehicle is always locked and alarmed and consider investing in CCTV, security gates or sensor lights to alert them when someone walks near their vehicle or enters the driveway.

Motorists are also advised to use a steering wheel lock or pedal lock and consider fitting an after-market approved immobiliser to deter criminals.

You should also never leave the vehicle’s keys in the ignition, in the same outbuilding as the vehicle, or near your front door inside your home.

Drivers are instructed to also park in a locked garage or a secure car park in a well-lit area if possible to reduce the chance of theft.

Sergeant Daniel Brooks said: “We want to alert motorists, and in particular those who own a Land Rover, to the recent incidents and encourage them to take extra steps to make sure that their vehicles are safe and secure.

“Having your vehicle stolen or damaged is distressing and could cause you considerable inconvenience or frustration, so if you can review your security you could really reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”

“Members of the public act as our eyes and ears, and so if you are aware of any suspicious activity around parked vehicles, please report it to us.”

To report information to police, call them on 101 or you can send them a message on Facebook, Twitter and via their website.

Alternatively, you can also anonymously report findings to charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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