PEOPLE with Land Rovers have been warned to be on their guard after a spate of thefts of Defenders.

Several Defender have been stolen in and around South Worcestershire since November.

Most recently, a Defender was stolen from Elmley Castle, near Evesham.

The 4x4 was taken on Monday, February 12 but was found by police less than 15 minutes later after officers rushed to the area.

An investigation into the theft is on-going.

Police say the local thefts are part of a national increase in which criminals target Defenders, due to their popularity and the ease with which they can be broken down.

Many are shipped abroad or sold for spare parts.

Owners of the 4x4s have been advised to keep vehicles in a garage if possible, or look at motion-activated lighting and CCTV for driveways.

You can also fit a tracker system and use forensic security marking kits on parts of the 4x4 to make them easier to recover.

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity around parked vehicles should contact police on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org