A UK security company is highlighting an automotive crime wave that it says is reaching epicdemic proportions. CCTV.co.uk says that the Land Rover Defender is the number one target of organised car theft gangs who are often stealing to order for the export market.

Figures published by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service show the Land Rover Defender as one of the top ten stolen cars in the UK, along with the Audi S3 and the Range Rover. But it's the Defender's popularity with fashion conscious buyers and tuning companies that have made it such a sought-after vehicle.

The NVCIS has also warned that while the tried-and-test method of stealing the car keys from the hall table and simply driving the car away remains a popular choice among opportunist thieves, organised criminal gangs are increasingly using sophisticated electronic tools to bypass vehicle security systems. The Defender is apparently especially vulnerable as keys from older vehicles often work in door locks and ignitions. Stolen to order, the cars are exported and resold in other countries.

Police sources say the best way to prevent such crimes are; high-quality steering wheel and gear stick locks, a lock cover for the car diagnostics port to prevent keyless theft, a quality car alarm and tracking devices.