Keep your Land Rover safe

A new campaign has been launched to help reduce the number of Land Rover thefts in Aylesbury Vale.

The Love your Land Rover initiative, set up by the Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership, aims to encourage owners to take simple steps to reduce the risk of their 4x4 vehicles being stolen.

Over the past 12 months there has been a significant increase in Land Rover thefts – particularly older Defender models as they don’t have the most modern security systems.

The majority of thefts have taken place in rural areas with many on farm premises. It is believed the vehicles are being stripped down and the parts either sold in this country or exported.

In light of these incidents owners are urged to be extra vigilant and ensure their vehicles are secure. The Community Safety Partnership strongly recommend the following:
• Always lock and alarm your Land Rover
• Park in a locked garage or other locked secure area or in a well-lit open space or where there is passive lighting
• Don’t leave keys in the ignition or near the front door at home
• Fit a transponder based security marking system and tracker device and etch all windows with your vehicle identification number
• If your Land Rover is over ten years old also fit an alarm and either fit an immobiliser or use a steering wheel lock

New Business advice website for Aylesbury Vale

A new website designed to encourage new businesses to invest in Aylesbury Vale as well as providing essential help and advice for start-up and existing firms is now online.

The website www.investaylesburyvale.com will act as a single point of contact for business advice and support provided by Aylesbury Vale District Council and partner organisations.

Commissioned by AVDC, the website has been designed to provide user-friendly information and interactive tools for start-up, growing and relocating businesses. From the homepage users can choose which journey they wish to take, with each pathway providing tailored resources and information for the user.

The site includes lots of hints and tips, information about the support AVDC and partners can provide and signposting to other sources and help, including:
• Grants and access to sources of finance;
• Premises and commercial agents;
• Business networks and support; and
• Colleges and training organisations

There is also information about the quality of life living and working in Aylesbury Vale offers and case studies from a wide range of companies who have recently established themselves in the area who are keen to give their perspective on doing business in the Vale.

Local businesses or those thinking of relocating will also be able to sign up to the council’s online business directory and carry out commercial land and property searches.

The new website is just part of a package of support AVDC can offer businesses, including a start-up grant for businesses with a three-month trading history and directing start-ups to a range of serviced accommodation in Aylesbury Vale, including the AVDC-supported Aylesbury Enterprise and Innovation Centre, where businesses can network or hot desk, depending on their office needs.