North Yorkshire Police has issued an urgent message for Toyota Hilux drivers in the Harrogate area.
It comes after police recovered a stolen Hilux from the Beckwithshaw area, which was fitted with a tracker and returned to its owner.
However two other Toyota Hilux vehicles have also been stolen from in the area recently, mirroring a growing trend in neighbouring police force areas and across the country.
Sergeant Mark Earnshaw, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force, 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 York and North Yorkshire – particularly one that is used in a remote or rural area – takes extra steps to keep it safe now."
Sgt Earnshaw added:
“We’re increasing patrols and paying particular attention to locations where these vehicles are parked.
“But 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.”
Find more information about preventing vehicle theft, and in particular how to protect yourself from ‘keyless theft’, here.

Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'
Harrogate Ladies' College celebrates best A*-A results in four years
Ashville pupils heading around the world after A Level success
Students celebrate A Level success at St Aidan's and St John Fisher
Everything you need to know about Symphonic Ibiza this weekend
Eight Ripon Grammar students achieve four A*s or more
Harrogate Grammar celebrates strong A-level results
Ripon pupil overcomes anxiety to pursue Paris dream
More details revealed about Harrogate's Christmas ice rink in Valley Gardens
GALLERY: Hundreds gather at Almscliffe Crag for view of solar eclipse
Ripon Summer FunFest returns for sixth year
Extreme heat to cause disruption on Harrogate train line
Firework Championships to light up skies over Ripon next weekend
Harrogate MP calls for Lifeline changes to be put on hold
Harrogate streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up
New co-working space opens in Ripon city centre
Harrogate Cat Rescue receives year's supply of food for 80 cats
Covered ice rink to open in Harrogate's Valley Gardens this Christmas
Ripon's Jaflong named 'Best Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year'
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast


