Land Rover Thefts Surrey Police uncover cache of stolen Defenders

Investigation underway after Surrey Police uncover hoard of stolen Land Rovers

Police in Surrey are seeking the rightful owners of several stolen Land Rovers, following a ‘forensic recovery’ of the vehicles from an isolated fi eld in Runnymede.

At least fi ve Defender 90s and 110s were found at the site near the village of Lyne. They were recovered in various states of destruction – one Td5 90, which had been reported stolen some three and a half weeks previously, was yet to be stripped for parts, however a 110 was recovered which had been reduced to little more than a chassis.

In the middle of the destruction, one of the most dispiriting sights to behold was a 90 which had just rebuilt by Retro Defenders in Harrogate. It had been reported stolen from Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor in early May – little more that two weeks before the recovery operation. During that time, it had been stripped to a rolling chassis and its rear tub, with Exmoor seat runners and wood-lined fl oor, dumped in the weeds.

A small amateur tool kit was also found at the scene – as well as an engine crane.

While the second-hand parts market is a vital part of the Land Rover scene, owners need to be in no doubt that if they buy items from unknown sources, they are actively encouraging the trade in stolen vehicles. Of course, they also need to be aware that at any time, in almost any place, their Defender might be the next to suffer this fate.

Surrey Police is seeking information about suspicious activity in the Lyne area, and would also welcome tip-offs as to the identity of those involved. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or massage the Runnymede Beat (Surrey Police) page on Facebook quoting reference P22102852.