Rural vehicle owners are being urged to increase security following warnings that stolen pick-up trucks from North Yorkshire are being shipped to global conflict zones including Ukraine.
High-value pick-up trucks stolen from rural communities are being shipped overseas to be used in global conflict zones.
Criminal gangs are targeting specific makes of utility vehicles across North Yorkshire, with stolen trucks being transported intact to countries including Ukraine and Russia.
The international demand has prompted urgent security warnings for vehicle owners, following the theft of two Nissan Navaras from a village in the Ryedale area overnight between the twenty-first and twenty-second of September.
Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset confirmed that international demand for vehicles in war zones is driving the thefts.
He said:
"Some of the stuff is high value so it's your key less entry and removal particularly of pickups. Certain makes of pickups getting taken. Now that can affect both rural and urban communities but probably predominantly rural communities.
And then you start digging into that further, and there are links then into believe it or not global conflict. So, Ukraine, Russia, whereas vehicles were maybe getting taken and cut up for parts, which is still the case actually, that does happen but some of them are remaining as a unit if you like as a vehicle then being shipped."
While North Yorkshire is not yet experiencing the sharp increases in vehicle thefts reported by some other police forces, officers are urging residents to remain on high alert and report any suspicious activity.
Scott Bisset added:
"There's definitely a market for this kind of stuff Middle East and beyond. So, it's a global like international trend if you like.
But there's definitely certain types of vehicles emerging at the minute we're not seeing increases that perhaps are being reported in some force areas, but we've got to remain vigilant and diligent in terms of what's happening."
Taking immediate precautionary measures will significantly reduce the risk of theft or damage to rural vehicles.
North Yorkshire Police officers are urging owners of Nissan Navaras and similar pick-ups to install tracking systems, which make it far more likely that stolen vehicles can be located and the offenders arrested.
Simple physical deterrents, such as steering wheel locks, pedal locks, immobilisers, and CCTV systems, can also ensure a vehicle is not seen as an easy target by opportunist thieves.
Motorists are advised to always lock their vehicles, even when simply filling up with fuel or parking on a private driveway, and to double-check that windows and sunroofs are fully closed. Lockable garages should be used wherever possible, and all valuables and keys must be removed from the cabin.
Specific guidance has also been issued for drivers with keyless entry systems, as criminals frequently exploit wireless signals to unlock cars remotely.
Keyless car owners must keep their keys, including any spares, well away from the vehicle when at home. Storing the fobs in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag or box, will block the wireless signals, though these pouches should be tested every few months to ensure they are still working.
Drivers can also turn off the wireless signals on their fobs when not in use, and anyone purchasing a second-hand keyless vehicle is strongly advised to reprogramme the keys immediately.
While no security system is completely foolproof, layering different types of protection makes a significant difference.
Residents know what looks out of place in their local community and are being encouraged to trust their instincts by reporting any suspicious vehicles or people to the police.
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