The drone technology North Yorkshire Police used to find Land Rover stolen from Pickering

Police who found a Land Rover stolen from Pickering using a thermal imaging camera with a drone have revealed more information about the modern-tech operation.
Drone image of the stolen Land Rover.Drone image of the stolen Land Rover.
Drone image of the stolen Land Rover.

As reported by the Scarborough News earlier this week, the Land Rover Defender Turbo - worth more than £10,000 – was found thanks to officers using the airborne kit.

The vehicle was reported stolen between November 1 and November 2.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police received information about its suspected whereabouts last Thursday (November 5) and were deployed to an area south of York at 9.50pm that evening.

Because it was dark, officers deployed the drone with a thermal imaging camera to look down into a locked compound.

From above, the drone clearly identified a parked Land Rover with a glowing white bonnet – indicating that its engine was still warm.

The vehicle was recovered for forensic examination and the following day, officers arrested three men in York on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They have been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

North Yorkshire Police published crime prevention advice after a spate of Land Rover thefts from rural areas earlier this year and they are now reiterating that same advice.

A spokesperson for the force said: “It is important that all Land Rover owners, and especially those living in rural areas, take extra precautions to secure their vehicles.

“Members of the public act as our eyes and ears, and so if you are aware of any suspicious activity around parked vehicles, please call us, and we will take action.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Owners of Land Rovers in North Yorkshire are being asked to:

* Fit a vehicle tracking system

* Always leave your vehicle locked and alarmed if possible

* Park in a locked garage or other secure area if you have one, or in a well-lit open space if not

* Consider fitting an after-market approved immobiliser

Never leave the vehicle’s keys in the ignition, in the same outbuilding as the vehicle, or near your front door inside your home

Be vigilant when using your vehicle for anyone taking an interest in it

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Have the vehicle’s windows etched with the vehicle identification number

Review your home and business premises security – consider CCTV, gates etc.

If you are aware of any suspicious activity around Land Rovers or other vehicles, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.