INSURERS and police have urged owners of a Land Rover Defenders to increase security measures after a 69 per cent rise in thefts of the vehicle in the North-East.

Police believe the vehicles, which have recently risen in value due to production ceasing after 68 years, are being stolen to order and exported out of the country.

NFU Mutual said the North-East had been by far the hardest hit region over the past year, with claims totalling £760,000.

The appeal comes weeks after?police forces highlighted how one gang that tried to steal a Defender in Bainbridge, in the Yorkshire Dales, being chased for more than 40 miles before being stopped near Knaresborough and that a long wheelbase Defender had been stolen from Hetton, also in the Dales.

Cleveland Police said its cars had got stuck in mud while trying to follow a stolen Land Rover off-road in Stockton, while Durham Constabulary said a green model was stolen from outside the Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café and a black Defender was taken from Startforth, near Barnard Castle.

PC?Garry Dunn said: “I urge owners of Defenders in Teesdale to consider fitting extra security – mechanical devices such as steering and pedal locks, have alarms and immobilisers activated and tracking devices installed.”

He added: “Owners of Defenders looking for spare parts should also seriously consider where they buy them from.

“Paying a pittance for commonly stolen parts such as doors and bonnets should set your alarm bells ringing.”

Sergeant Nick Hill, of North Yorkshire Police, added: “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.”

Clive Harris, agricultural vehicle specialist at NFU Mutual, said Land Rover ending production of the Defender in January had made the vehicle a bigger target for thieves.

A recent auction saw three rare Land Rovers, including one of the last Defenders - a 2016 110 Heritage Edition - fetch nearly £140,000.

He said: "I urge Land Rover Defender owners to be vigilant and be on their guard.

“When not in use Defenders should be parked in a garage or a secure area which is well lit if possible.

"Never leave keys in the ignition and keep keys out of sight at home and when out in public areas; it’s essential that easy opportunities are taken away from thieves.”