Gang of car thieves targets rural areas

The offenders are targeting countryside areas and exploiting the trust of residents who have left their keys in the ignition of their vehicles.

North Yorkshire Police officers are dealing with more than 30 thefts after models ranging from VW Golfs to 4x4 vehicles have been stolen over the last two years.

There are now about two reported thefts every month, and it is thought a criminal gang from the Cleveland and Durham areas is responsible. The latest theft led to a Land Rover Defender being stolen from a property between Seamer and Hutton Rudby near Stokesley on Friday last week (SEPT 16).

The thieves are thought to have turned their attention to rural communities this summer after stealing vehicles which had been left unattended with their engines running to de-ice during the bitter winters of the last two years.

And the victims of the thefts are hit by another blow as their insurance policies are negated because they left the keys in the unattended vehicles when they were stolen.

PC Wayne Whitfield, from the Stokesley Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Thieves have cottoned on that farmers and other rural residents often drive high-end, expensive vehicles and leave them unlocked with the keys in the ignition or nearby.

“We suspect that it may be common practice in rural areas and we want to warn all vehicle owners to be vigilant and keep their vehicles locked and secure at all times - and keep your keys with you.

“We suspect a team of offenders are targeting rural areas looking for the opportunity to commit such offences because they know it provides them with easy and rich pickings.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.

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