Land Rover owners urged to be vigilant

Fourteen vehicles with keyless ignitions have been targeted in Mellor, Blackburn, Haslingden, Whitworth and Rossendale. Of these attempts, two were unsuccessful and two of the stolen vehicles have been recovered.

Those targeted have included Land Rover Discoveries, Evoques and Defenders.

Officers believe that thieves are taking the vehicles via the use of remote keys.

Det. Sgt Zoe Russo from Burnley CID said: “This type of crime appears to be a national trend with other forces reporting similar thefts. We think that the offenders have been able to steal the vehicles by reprogramming remote entry keys.

“I would urge Land Rover owners to park their vehicles overnight in garages where possible and look at visible deterrents such as steering wheel and pedal locks, as well as other security measures including disklocks and clutch claws.

“We are determined to find those responsible for these thefts and so I urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us.”

Anyone with information should contact Lancashire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.