Police in Sheffield are advising owners of 4x4 vehicles to consider the security of their vehicles and are urging owners to report any suspicious activity, following a recent number of thefts of Land Rovers across the city. 

Detective Chief Inspector Zaf Ali said: “We believe these types of thefts are happening, because there is a ready market for cheap vehicle parts and 4x4 vehicles are often being stolen to order and stripped for spare parts, which are then being distributed across the UK and potentially overseas. We are working hard to tackle this issue, with vehicle manufacturers and retailers and carrying out regular patrols in key areas across the city. However, we do need the public to help us to tackle this issue by being vigilant, following crime prevention advice and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.” 

Crime Reduction Officer Dene Tinker offers the following crime prevention advice, to help reduce the chances of vehicles being stolen:

• Use a ‘Sold Secure’ or ‘Thatcham’ approved full Disklok or pedal guard and use it every time you leave the vehicle especially overnight. Such devices can considerably slow down a thief who wants to make a quick get away, potentially putting them off completely.
• Consider security marking the parts of your vehicle. This can be done in several ways including DNA based property marking, laser engraving or stencil etching. To obtain further crime prevention advice please visit www.securedbydesign.com
• The Retainagroup have a full range of anti-theft property marking stencils and a secure registration database that can be interrogated by the police to trace stolen parts back to the original owner. For more information go to www.retainagroup.com/our-system.html
• A tracking device should be considered as stolen vehicles are often parked up out of sight just to see if police are tracking them. We do recover many vehicles this way. Remember thieves do not like to be caught.
• Factory fitted alarms and immobilisers can often be upgraded. I would advise owners to ensure vehicle doors and windows are secured and alarms activated when leaving the vehicle, even for a short time. 

Police would encourage motorists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or  to pass on information about vehicle crime call South Yorkshire Police on 101, the non-emergency number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Phone 999 if a life is at risk or a crime is in progress. 

For more information about vehicle crime prevention advice or for general crime prevention advice visit the safety and security section at www.southyorks.police.uk.