OWNERS of Land Rovers have been urged to ensure their vehicles are secure after a bonnet and lock barrel were removed from a Defender in York.

Thieves targeted a silver Defender parked in an industrial estate in Osbaldwick overnight on Wednesday, and officers attended on Monday to security-mark the vehicle, helping to protect it against any further thefts.

Anyone with information about the incident should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference NYP-12042018-0057.

PCSO Sally Breen, from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: "It's important that anyone who owns a Land Rover – particularly if it's parked in an unpopulated or rural area – to take extra steps to ensure it is left safe and secure.

"It’s much better to spend a bit of time and money now on improving your security than to go through the inconvenience and upset of having your vehicle stolen."

Owners of Land Rovers in North Yorkshire are being asked to follow this crime prevention advice:

· Always leave your vehicle locked and alarmed if possible

· Consider fitting an after-market approved immobiliser

· Park in a locked garage or other secure area if you have one, or in a well-lit open space if not

· Never leave the vehicle’s keys in the ignition, in the same outbuilding as the vehicle, or near your front door inside your home

· Be vigilant when using your vehicle for anyone taking an interest in it

· Consider fitting a transponder-based security marking system and tracker device

· Have the vehicle’s windows etched with the vehicle identification number

If you are aware of any suspicious activity around Land Rovers or other vehicles, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or Rural Taskforce officer can offer bespoke crime prevention advice. They can be also contacted via 101.