POLICE have launched a new scheme aiming to deter criminals from stealing Land Rovers.

Cheshire Police’s rural crime team will hand out stickers featuring the words ‘police stop me’ to the drivers of Land Rover Defenders.

These stickers should be placed in the back window of the vehicles in order to prompt officers to stop the car to check that the owner is behind the wheel.

Warrington Guardian:

Land Rovers not sporting the signs will also be stopped.

Sergeant Rob Simpson said: “In line with the national picture, we are seeing an increase in Defenders being stolen due to their continuing popularity.

“Defenders are the workhorses of farms or are the well-loved part of the family character vehicle, with pet names such as Dave – so when they are stolen it can be devastating for their owners emotionally and, if used for work, financially.

“That’s why we want to make life as difficult as possible for criminals by stopping Defenders any time and day, even if the vehicle hasn’t got a sticker.

Warrington Guardian:

“The stickers are a prompt for officers and a reminder to residents that if they see suspicious activity they should call police, so that together we can send a message to thieves that it’s just not worth the risk.”