(Image: Pixabay)
A string of Nissan Navara thefts is causing concern across West Yorkshire.
At least five vehicles have been reported stolen in the past week, with cases recorded in south Bradford, Castleford, Knottingley, Apperley Bridge, and Wakefield.
Most of the thefts occurred on September 23 and 24, with vehicles taken from roadsides and farms "by unknown means."
The Navara is a one-tonne pick-up truck popular with tradespeople and within rural communities due to its workhorse characteristics.
A Navara noted in Knottingley was stolen in North Yorkshire and recovered by police, while another taken from Apperley Bridge was found in Huddersfield bearing false plates.
The apparent targeting of this particular make and model has led to speculation that organised criminals are behind the thefts.
One man, commenting on Facebook, said: "gone through the last 4 weeks of these weekly reports, at least 6 Navaras taken in West Yorkshire every week.
"Must be same guys taking them all.
"Must have the coding gear etc."
Another victim of a similar theft said he was surprised by the lack of forensic investigation.
He said: "Find it surprising though mine wasn't put on some kind of forensic recovery or retained for forensics when it was found.
"You would hope someone would want to start linking all these thefts together.
"Especially as mine was used in another crime too allegedly."
List of incidents
- Bradford BD4, September 24, black Nissan Navara BC18KRU removed by unknown means from roadside
- Castleford, September 24, white Nissan Navara FG70LWJ by unknown means
- Knottingley, September 23, grey Nissan Navara LU11MER, stolen from North Yorkshire and recovered by police
- Apperley Bridge, September 24, black Nissan Navara S1LAV by unknown means, recovered Huddersfield on false plate
- Wakefield, September 23, black Nissan Navara YT68SNZ by unknown means