Police are urging owners of Land Rover Defenders to be on their guard against thieves.

The warning comes after the theft of one vehicle and the attempted theft of another in the York area.

A “N” registered Land Rover Defender was stolen from a property, in Haxby, York, and then used in a suspicious incident at a property in Rawcliffe, where officers believe the suspects were targeting another Land Rover. The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in Foss Way.

PC Andrew Muir, of York Police, said: “The circumstances of these incidents, suggest that Land Rover Defenders are being specifically targeted by thieves and we urge owners to be on their guard and ensure they have adequate security measures in place. In fact, our advice applies to all owners of all types of vehicles.

“Make sure you use your garage if you have one and review its security. Clear it out if it’s full of stuff and use it for it’s original purpose. If you don’t have a garage, secure the vehicle as much as possible, park in well lit areas, make sure you lock it at night and remove all valuables. Set the alarm if you have one and use other locking devices.”

A Thatcham approved immobiliser or steering lock can help secure older vehicles.