Theft threat for caravan owners

As the nights draw in and winter nears, police in Shropshire have urged caravan owners to be vigilant as they prepare to put their vehicles into storage for the off-season.

Police in the area are concerned that lax owners will compromise security by failing to take necessary precautions to prevent theft.

Many caravans are kept at remote locations including caravan parks, farmland and storage compounds during the winter, which leaves them particularly vulnerable – especially as many owners fail to check them regularly.

The need for precautions to be taken is highlighted by the fact that some caravans are even stolen from people's driveways.

Tim Weaver, Shropshire's crime reduction officer, has urged all caravan owners to take preventative measures to ensure the risk of theft is minimised.

"From our experience, people often forget or overlook the need to record the plate and chassis numbers of their caravans. It only takes a moment, but it is surprising how many people don't bother to take this basic security measure," he told the Ludlow and Tenbury Wells Advertiser.

"Should their caravan ever be stolen, this information will be vital for identifying the stolen property if it is traced. We want to raise people's awareness of the need to protect their caravans which are vulnerable and expensive items."

17/09/2007 23:44:00