Warning following increase in caravan thefts

Officers are urging caravan owners to be vigilant after an increase in thefts and attempted thefts across the county.

So far in December, there has been seven incidents involving caravan thefts.

Most recently, a caravan was stolen on Tuesday (14 December) from a storage facility on Sutton Road, Mile Oak (Tamworth).

Eight days prior (Thursday 9 December), offenders forced entry into a farm in Hammerwich, Burntwood, and stole a caravan. The suspects are believed to have travelled across several fields in-order to reach the site - using a 4x4/van for transport.

At 6:20am the same day, offenders attempted to steal a caravan from a farm in Elmhurst. They had dismantled bollards and were in the process of theft when they were disturbed. They made off in a van - namely a silver Hyundai.

Six days prior (Friday 3 December), at 7:40am, it was reported that a caravan had been stolen from a storage facility on Armitage Lane, Rugeley. It is understood that the offenders towed the caravan away from the location using a lorry.

Chief Inspector Dave Wain, of Staffordshire Police, 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."