Car Thieves Can't Get Enough Of The Land Rover Defender Because It's Cooler Than Ever

With values rising following the end of production, the Defender is becoming an increasingly popular target for thieves

Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Car Thieves Can't Get Enough Of The Land Rover Defender Because It's Cooler Than Ever

Following the end of Land Rover Defender production earlier this year, something rather inevitable happened. Demand for used examples went up, and so did values. Since the Defender - which was in production in one form or another for 68 years - has never been a particularly secure vehicle, this means there’s been a spike in thefts.

In South Yorkshire for example, Defender sales have shot up by 69 per cent in the last few months, and in the last 12 months insurers NFU Mutual said that claims for the vehicles had hit £760,000. A big chunk of the cars are stolen to order before being shipped out of the country.

To make matters worse, it seems many thieves are particularly adept at getting around the Defender’s standard security systems. Sergeant Nick Hill of North Yorkshire Police said: “It appears an organised group of criminals is specifically targeting this make and model of vehicle….Of greatest concern to us is that it is evident these thieves have knowledge of this particular vehicle’s factory-fitted security and electrical systems.”

In response, police are advising owners to consider fitting aftermarket security systems such as tracking devices

Sources: The Northern Echo and Autocar

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

it’ll never beat the integra in terms of getting stolen.

This gives me an idea…

Disklok come out come out wherever you are….

Right here!

I miss my Defender :( It was stolen in October, and it took months for the insurance to pay out. By the time they did pay out, Defenders value had already increased a noticeable amount , and this was before they had stopped making them.

Previously it had already been broken into, but the dumb criminal was caught in the act by my neighbour. My mates down the road was also stolen but he got his back luckily.

Everyone waiting for us like:
But seriously: We made an announcement about this vehicle a few weeks ago. We have received a huge amount of calls more on the Defender than any other vehicle. It seems like thieves are breaking in like a hot knife in butter on the security systems these cars have. It doesn’t have to be us (although it should be) but make sure to secure your rides, don’t let someone else get in and ruin what you’ve worked for!Remember: We love you guys, which is why there’s a 10% off for you. Use CTzen-DSK10 at checkout. Thanks!