Nottinghamshire Police issue warning and advice to Toyota Hilux 4x4 owners after increase in thefts in Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw

Owners of a particular model of 4x4 have been urged to increase the security of their vehicles after an increase in reported thefts.

A number of Toyota Hilux vehicles were reported stolen from the Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw areas recently.

Seven of the vehicles have been stolen from locations including Balderton, Farndon, Newark and Blyth within the last few months.

Yvonne Pickersgill, crime prevention officer at Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It’s believed that Toyota Hilux 4x4s are now the most targeted vehicles by criminals nationally, with a notable increase in ‘keyless’ thefts this year.

“That’s why it’s extremely important that anyone who owns a Hilux in Nottinghamshire — particularly one that is used in a remote or rural area — takes extra steps to keep it safe now.

“Please help us, by locking your vehicle when it’s not in use, keeping the keys safe, parking in a well-lit area overlooked by houses or CCTV, and investing in in-car security locks and trackers.

“You can also go to our website for security advice.”

The recent thefts in Nottinghamshire mirror a growing trend in neighbouring police force areas and across the country.