The iconic British off-roader proves to be a popular target for thieves in Great Britain, especially now that prices in the used car market are rising.

The NFU Mutual insurance company says that claims for stolen Defenders have increased 8 per cent in 2015 when compared to previous year with police officials adding that a significant number of the stolen vehicles are shipped and sold abroad.

“It appears an organised group of criminals is specifically targeting this make and model of vehicle,” Sergeant Nick Hill, of Stokesley Police said earlier this year to Autocar. “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.”

Local UK police departments are advising Defender owners to safeguard their vehicles by adding better security systems and tracking devices.

The Land Rover Defender ended its production cycle last January, after 68 years of duty and with more than 2,000,000 units sold worldwide.

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