Some nasty little scrote tried and failed to steal my Defender CSW on Sunday morning.
Having cut through the rear quarterlight rubbers they then levered out the glass and opened the rear door, climbed over the bulkhead and tried to start the car, doing a certain amount of damage to various bits as they did so, but failed for reasons unknown.
I am informed that there's a gang from Teesside in the area more or less stealing Defenders to order for export to Eastern Europe.
So, the car is currently being repaired and I have been advised to get a battery isolator and a steering wheel lock.
The battery isolator is a standard part and is now on order from my mechanic, but which steering wheel lock to buy?
Do the cheap ones work?
Oh yes, and as my car is at the insurance company's repairers, what diameter is the actual steering wheel rim?
Increase in Land Rover thefts This is a message sent via Cumbria community messaging. This information has been sent on behalf of Cumbria Constabulary. Message sent by Andy Baines (Police, Super User, Cumbria)
Cumbria Constabulary wishes to inform the rural and farming communities of an emerging national trend, which is being repeated in Cumbria.
This message is intended to alert the owners of Land Rover Defender vehicles of the attractiveness of this vehicle to thieves. Since January 2013, 8 Defenders have been stolen, generally from the Kirkby Lonsdale / Appleby / Sedbergh areas. (Nationally, Land Rover Defenders are the fourth most popular target for theft).
Defender 90 and 110 models, particularly those manufactured between
1990 and 2005, are being stolen (generally those without an electronic immobiliser fitted) and it would appear they are being dismantled for spare parts. However, any age Defender is at risk.
Police are urging owners to be vigilant with their vehicle security and to undertake the following measures: Always remove the ignition keys and lock the vehicle when it is not in use – even for short periods. Remember, your insurance company is likely to refuse your claim, if the vehicle was insecure at the time it was taken. If possible, park the vehicle in a garage or secure building overnight, or try to block it in with other vehicles. Remove any valuables If a garage is not available, park the vehicle in a well-lit location, that can be easily overlooked Set the vehicle alarm, if you have had one fitted. Consider having a Thatcher approved alarm/immobiliser installed Consider installing a tracking device. This technology is becoming cheaper and will often attract a discount in your insurance premium Do not store the vehicle keys where they can easily be stolen (e.g. in the house hallway, through the letter box) Use a property marking product on vehicle parts, e.g. bonnet, tail gate, engine components so that stolen parts can be more easily traced. Cumbria Constabulary FarmWatch members have access to discounted SmartWater for this purpose Please report any suspicious activity to your Neighbourhood Policing Team, via 101. If a crime is in progress dial 999 If you require specific security advice, contact your local Crime Prevention Officer via 101
Not just upcountry. The South East is also plagued by this sort of thing too. Defenders (and other capable 4x4's) and Farm machinery, just vanish into thin air, and despite more CCTV than you can shake a stick at, none of the events seem to be captured.
Sign of the times sadly.... Or alien abductions...
I know of one (a 110) that was taken from a back garden, through a fence, accross a soft field to a not so convenient lane! All the more amazing, was that it was under repair at the time, so non functional and had to be dragged all the way!
Got the car back this morning, nice job been done and it has all been cleaned and swept out.
The NFU insurance system has worked without a hitch so far, except that the loan car was a teeny tiny Citroen and my wife's wheelchair didn't go in it, but that's a minor detail.
Straight down to the local Halfords for a big heavy bar lock. The nice young man came and made sure it fitted properly, which it did and I bought a 'Stoplock' which fits the steering wheel perfectly and cost me a touch under £50.
I'm having a concealed isolator switch fitted tomorrow.
Have also ordered a £40 GPS tracker from Amazon which looks interesting, has really good reviews but might be a bit complicated to fit...
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