Police warn motorists to secure vehicles following increase in caravan thefts in North East Derbyshire

Officers in North East Derbyshire are warning motorists to keep their vehicles secure following a rise in caravan thefts in recent days.
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Police from Killamarsh and Eckington Safer Neighbourhood Team recovered a stolen caravan on Saturday night (March 27) after officers spotted the driver acting ‘suspicious’.

The towing vehicle was seized at the scene and officers vow to use forensics to try and catch the driver and return the caravan to the owner.

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Anyone who has information about stolen caravans is urged to get in touch with Killamarsh and Eckington Police Safer Neighbourhood Team as soon as possible.

There has been an increase in caravan thefts in North East Derbyshire according to police.There has been an increase in caravan thefts in North East Derbyshire according to police.
There has been an increase in caravan thefts in North East Derbyshire according to police.

Officers urged motorists to immobilise their caravan at all times, no matter how short the stop to boost security and prevent their property being targeted by criminals.

Caravan owners were also told to put their hitch lock on to minimise the risk or their caravan being towed away and fit a set of good quality wheel clamps - as trying to remove these without keys can be noisy and increase the likelihood of thieves being caught red handed.

Police encouraged people to mark the items inside their caravan with their postcode using a UV Pen, or SmartWater security fluid – which will protect their property when they are using the caravan on a site.

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This should also make stolen caravans more identifiable to the police.

For added security, motorists should consider fitting an alarm or a tracking device, pitching their caravan near to well-lit areas and close to any campsite CCTV if possible.

Residents are reminded to lock their caravan and take their keys with them to keep it secure, as well as making sure keys are kept in a safe place at home – out of sight and away from windows and doors.

Curtains and blinds should be closed to prevent thieves from looking inside and valuables should be kept out of view.

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Caravan owners are encouraged to ask their friends or neighbours to keep an eye on the towing vehicle and alert police to any suspicious activity near it.

For crime prevention advice, or to speak to your safer neighbourhood officers, call non-emergency number 101.

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