Police have issued an urgent warning to quad bike and off-road bike owners in Lanarkshire as thefts increase. Police Scotland have reported a significant rise in the theft of these vehicles and are urging owners to take extra precautions to keep them secure. The warning follows several incidents where thieves have targeted these types of vehicles, particularly in rural areas where they can be more easily accessed and where the thieves can quickly escape from sight. READ MORE: Fire crews are battling flames at West End industrial estate blaze In a bid to combat the trend, Police Scotland has released a set of guidelines for owners to follow. These include general advice such as removing keys from the ignition when not in use, storing them away from the vehicle, and ensuring the building where the vehicle is stored is locked and secure. Police are also advising owners to keep their vehicles out of sight when not in use and to use additional security devices like steering locks, frame locks, and wheel clamps. The advice extends to using trackers and immobilisers, which not only act as a deterrent but also improve the chances of the vehicle being recovered and the thief being identified. READ MORE: Driver arrested after police chase ends in multi-vehicle crash Police Scotland has highlighted that quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles are major targets for thieves, especially in the UK. These vehicles are often easy to steal and can be driven off quickly, making them appealing to thieves. These systems not only help to prevent theft but also increase the chances of recovery if the vehicle is stolen. Thieves often export stolen vehicles overseas, so being able to track their location is vital. Police Scotland Lanrkshire said: "An important warning to quad bike and off-road bike owners. "Criminals are targeting quad and off-road bikes in Lanarkshire, so please take every step you can to keep them safe."