Since the start of September there have been four thefts or attempted thefts of Land Rovers in the Derbyshire Dales area, taking the total to seven since February this year.
Models including Defenders, Evoques and Range Rovers have been targeted. In some instances keys have been stolen to take the vehicle, and in some cases they have been taken without keys. In one report, parts were taken from the vehicle.
The crimes have all been from more rural locations in Marston Montgomery, Bolehill, Beeley, Baslow, Bakewell, Youlgrave and Hathersage.
There are steps you can take to help keep your vehicle secure, including:
- Always leave your vehicle locked and alarmed if possible.
- Use a steering wheel or pedal lock.
- Never leave the vehicle’s keys in the ignition, in the same outbuilding, or near your front door.
- Park in a locked garage, secure car park or well-lit area if possible.
- Consider having windows etched with the vehicle registration number or use an invisible ink marker pen to mark these details and your postcode on the underside frame of the vehicle.
- Make a note of the chassis number.
- Fit a vehicle tracking system. Be vigilant when using your vehicle for anyone taking an interest in it.
Sergeant Daniel Brooks, of the local Safer Neighbourhood policing team, 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.”
If you have any information or to contact police in a non-emergency, send a private message to / DerbyshireConstabulary, complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police. uk/Contact-Us or call 101.
In the event of an emergency you should always call 999.