JLR is to fund a new national policing unit focused on gathering intelligence at ports frequently used by criminal gangs to export stolen vehicles.

It is part of a £1 million initiative to support policing efforts against organised crime groups targeting vehicles such as the Range Rover in its latest bid to tackle thefts in high-risk areas.

The car manufacturer has previously funded additional policing at UK ports in the wake of a Range Rover theft epidemic caused by organised crime gangs that make significant profits from shipping stolen high-end vehicles abroad.

JLR said theft rates for its newest models are falling with figures for 2023 showing Range Rover thefts were down by 27% on 2022 and Range Rover Sport thefts down by 29%.

Using sophisticated equipment, thieves attack cars equipped with keyless entry systems by using a ‘relay attack’ where the signal emitted from the car’s keyfob can be picked up by a receiver and sent to another transmitter. The car thinks a legitimate key is within proximity, even though it’s still in the owner’s house, allowing thieves to drive off.