North Yorkshire Police has issued an urgent message for Toyota Hilux drivers in the Harrogate area.
It comes after police recovered a stolen Hilux from the Beckwithshaw area, which was fitted with a tracker and returned to its owner.
However two other Toyota Hilux vehicles have also been stolen from in the area recently, mirroring a growing trend in neighbouring police force areas and across the country.
Sergeant Mark Earnshaw, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force, said:
“It’s believed that Toyota Hilux 4x4s are now the most-targeted vehicles by criminals nationally, with a notable increase in ‘keyless’ thefts this year.
“That’s why it’s extremely important that anyone who owns a Hilux in York and North Yorkshire – particularly one that is used in a remote or rural area – takes extra steps to keep it safe now."
Sgt Earnshaw added:
“We’re increasing patrols and paying particular attention to locations where these vehicles are parked.
“But please help us, by locking your vehicle when it’s not in use, keeping the keys safe, parking in a well-lit area overlooked by houses or CCTV, and investing in in-car security locks and trackers.”
Find more information about preventing vehicle theft, and in particular how to protect yourself from ‘keyless theft’, here.