Grand Theft Auto from the MoD

06 July 2009

Approximately 50 defence vehicles including several Land Rovers have been stolen from MoD facilities over the last ten years, new MoD statistics show.

The thefts occurred at MoD facilities around the UK and included ten defence cars, along with seven Land Rovers, 17 motorcycles, 11 quad bikes, two forklifts and a mini-bus. The other two stolen vehicles were not named.

Given the fact that many defence vehicles are often equipped with high tech capabilities that would not be found on a civilian model, the total cost of the stolen property could run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds, and possible the millions.

The cost of a Snatch Land Rover is believed to be at least £50,000 and that does not necessarily include the additional armour and communications systems they are fitted with.

Conservative shadow Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said that the large number of thefts reflected poorly on general security protocols.

"What does this say about the security of our bases when someone can drive off in a military forklift?

"Somebody somewhere needs to get a grip before any more military vehicles go walkabout," Dr Fox said.

A spokesperson for the MoD said that the ministry took all thefts very seriously and that the Royal Military Police had investigated every case. Those who were caught with stolen MoD property were prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The losses come less than a year after it was revealed that the Armed Forces have experienced large numbers of thefts from bases and supply convoys in Afghanistan of general "military equipment."

Last autumn the MoD admitted that a number of cables, TVs, tools, runway lights and even fabric had been stolen.