Owners of 4x4 vehicles in the Herefordshire area are being warned to be on their guard following a sharp rise in the number of thefts of the vehicles in the area.

Police believe an organised gang are behind a spate of thefts across the county.

In recent months 30 vehicles have been taken, but only two have been recovered.

The thieves are targeting rural areas and going mainly for Landrover Defenders and Discoveries of "W" registration or older.

Sold overseas

They are also targeting Japanese-made 4x4's.

West Mercia Police are now sending out leaflets to auctioneers and dealerships, warning owners and appealing for public assistance.

They believe the vehicles are being stolen for parts or shipped out of the UK to be sold abroad.

Detective Constable John Peplow says they are battling to stop the thefts spreading to other areas.

He told BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester: "We are having problems in neighbouring force areas in Gwent and Gloucestershire."