John Craddock Ltd Magazine (General News)
Police and insurance companies are warning Land Rover owners to be vigilant after thefts increase by 69% in some areas of the UK. In the North East alone, insurance claims have risen to £760,000 and to £235,000 across The Midlands, a huge increase on the previous year. Police have said organised criminals are targeting the iconic vehicle after classic models have become sought after since production of the Land Rover Defender ceased earlier this year. They also said another concern was that the criminals have working knowledge of this particular vehicle’s factory-fitted security and electrical systems.
Protecting Your Defender
As a result of the recent thefts, both the police and insurance companies have issued advice on how best to protect your vehicle. The top tips, provided by NFU Mutual, include:
- Fit an approved mechanical immobiliser and/or tracking device
- Add an alarm for added security
- Mark component parts with a forensic marking solution
- Always park your vehicle in a lockable building or park in well-lit areas when possible
- Etch vehicle identification number on windows
- Fit a hidden battery isolation or a fuel cut-off switch
- Always ensure valuables such as satnavs and dashcams are removed from your vehicle or hidden from view
- Make sure to take photographs of any unusual features on your vehicle that could help with identification
- Never leave keys in the ignition and keep keys out of sight at home and when out in public areas
Take Extra Precautions
The thefts have been taking place in both rural as well as urban areas and rare Land Rover parts have also been targeted. And, as police have suggested, the criminals seem to be organised and understand the value of certain models of Defender, so it’s important to remain extra cautious if you own a particularly sought after model. You should also make sure all your insurance details are correct and up to date.
