Caravan owners warned after caravans targeted

Officers are urging caravan owners to be vigilant following an increase in thefts and attempted thefts across the county recently. Most recently, a white Swift Sprite Quatro caravan was reported as stolen from a storage facility on Ivetsey Road, Wheaton Aston. The theft was reported to have taken place at 9pm on Friday (9 September). A witness reported seeing up to eight men, wearing balaclavas, pushing the caravan from field to another. The caravan was then towed away by a 4x4 vehicle. A day later (Sunday 11 September), officers were called to another storage facility this time on Moss Pit, Stafford, following reports of caravan having been targeted. A Swift Charisma caravan had been accessed by the offender(s). Nothing was reported as stolen. The incident is reported to have taken place overnight between Saturday (10 September) and Sunday (11 September). Chief Inspector Dave Wain, of Staffordshire Police and vehicle crime lead for the force, said: "Owners of caravans must ensure that their motorhomes are kept secure. "They need to be locked, immobilised, and kept in a safe place - preferably surrounded by CCTV. "It is vital that you report any suspicious activity as soon as possible. Contact us on Facebook or Twitter, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."