Land Rover Defender thieves targeted

Cheshire Police’s Rural Crime Team is aiming to stop Land Rover Defender thieves in their tracks by handing out stickers –featuring the wording ‘Police Stop Me’ – in a bid to prevent and deter the highly sought after vehicles from being stolen.

The stickers placed in the rear window of Land Rovers prompting officers to stop the vehicle to check the rightful owner is sitting behind the wheel.

Officers will also be stopping Defenders which aren’t sporting the stickers.

Sgt Rob Simpson said: “In line with the national picture we are seeing an increase in Defenders being stolen due to their continuing popularity. Defenders are the workhorses of farms or are the well-loved part of the family character vehicle, with pet names such as ‘Dave’ – so when they are stolen it can be devastating for their owners, emotionally and, if used for work, financially. That’s why we want to make life as difficult as possible for criminals by stopping Defenders any time and day, even if the vehicle hasn’t got a sticker.

“The stickers are a prompt for officers, and a reminder to residents that if they see suspicious activity they should call police, so that together we can send a message to thieves that it’s just not worth the risk.”

You can pick up a sticker at your local police station and can report suspicious activity by calling 101 or going to https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/