Land Rover owners are fighting back on crime

Thefts of Land Rovers across the region have prompted owners to set up their own internet group to combat the problem.

Land Rover enthusiasts said an increasing numbers of the older models are being stolen each week, prompting a warning to owners. Extra security is being advised, while a Land Rover Watch scheme set up on social media sites is said to be having some success.

Frank King, who founded the Series 3 and 90-110 Owners' Club, said reports of thefts were being made to the group on a weekly basis. "It is a major concern and is something that is spread across the entire country," said Mr King, of Cannock. "Since they were first built in 1948, Land Rovers have been easy to strip down so they could be repaired.

"Now they are being stolen and either parts are being sold off or they are being put in containers and shipped abroad to wherever there is a market for it.

"It is at epidemic levels. Land Rover owners have got to get security fitted."

Mr King has been instrumental in setting up Land Rover Watch, which uses websites Twitter and Facebook to circulate details of stolen vehicles in a bid to help track them down.

Father-of-two David Cassell has taken extra security measures after one of his prized Land Rovers, which he had spent years rebuilding, was stolen. There have been two other attempted thefts of vehicles from his home in Burntwood.

Mr Cassell now parks a van across his driveway, has fitted security measures and even disconnects the fuel system in his cars to prevent them being stolen.

"The loss of the vehicle was very hard to cope with," said the 38-year-old.

"I have taken lots of extra security to make sure it can't happen again."

Last summer, the Express & Star revealed Defender models of Land Rovers were being targeted in the Midlands.