A series of high-value 4×4 cars have been stolen from outside homes in Brighton and Hove.
From Friday 23 January until Thursday (30 April) eight Range Rovers have been stolen after they were left parked on driveways or outside their owner’s address.
A ninth vehicle was targeted but abandoned after an intruder got into it but was disturbed and fled.
It is not clear how the vehicles have been stolen as the offenders have not broken into homes to take the keys.
The first car was stolen from Dyke Road, Hove, at about 9.30pm on Friday 23 January.
Since then similar models have been taken from Brangwyn Way, Goldstone Crescent, Shirley Drive, Hill Brow, Hazeldene Meads and Green Ridge.
The attempted theft when the man was disturbed happened shortly after 4pm on Tuesday 14 April in Hill Drive, Hove.
The most recent offence happened between 8.25pm on Wednesday (29 April) and 9am on Thursday (30 April) when a red Range Rover Evoque was taken from the driveway of a house in Redhill Drive, Brighton.
Four of the vehicles have been recovered since being stolen but the other four are still missing.
Detective Inspector Julie Wakeford said: “Each of the vehicles taken was of high value so it could be that they are being stolen to order but we don’t know who the intended buyers are.
“At this stage we also don’t know how the thieves have driven the Range Rovers away as none of the owners are missing the fobs used to open and start the vehicles.
“It could be that the men have driven around the city looking for vehicles to steal so we are keen to speak to anyone that may have seen people acting suspiciously near homes where Range Rovers are often parked.
“I would also urge Range Rover drivers to be particularly vigilant, to consider the security of their vehicles and to contact us if they have any suspicions at all about people near their property.”
Four men from Brighton, aged 27, 28, 31 and 49, have been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. They were questioned before being released on bail until Tuesday 26 May.
Anyone with information should phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
