Three arrested in connection with 4x4 thefts, but owners urged to remain vigilant

Yesterday we issued a security alert to owners of Toyota Hilux vehicles following the theft of three of them from Harrogate.

Last night we arrested three people in connection with those thefts.

In the early hours of today (16 October) just after 3am, a vehicle was seen in the Huby area near Harrogate that we suspected was linked to the thefts of the Toyotas.

We intercepted the car near Leathley and arrested the three occupants, two men aged 28 and 46, and one woman, aged 25, all from Bradford. 

The three were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and the 46-year-old was also arrested on suspicon of theft from a vehicle. They remain in police custody for questioning at this time. 

Although we may have three in custody at this time, the security alert still applies to owners of a Hilux, which are being targeted nationally.

Please continue to follow the advice issued yesterday if you own one, particularly one that is used in a remote or rural area, and take extra steps to keep it safe now.

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.

You can also visit our website for more information about preventing vehicle theft, and in particular how to protect yourself from ‘keyless theft’.