Police appeal after caravan stolen from Leicester home

Police in Leicester have appealed for information after a touring caravan was stolen near Oakham.

The white Swift Rapide was taken between 13 and 14 December from Casterton Lane in Pickworth, with local police asking for anyone who saw the caravan being removed from the property or who saw the caravan being towed around the area to contact them.

The theft follows several burglaries from caravans in the Lancaster area between November and December, when thieves broke into tourers on a caravan park to steal contents from the vans. Police there have urged caravan owners to be vigilant and ensure their caravans are secure.

The AA estimates that around 4000 caravans are stolen in the UK each year, many to order by professional thieves. There are several ways to keep your caravan safe from theft, such as fitting a tracking device – a caravan stolen in Lincolnshire in November was returned to its owner within a day thanks to its in-built tracking device and a speedy response from the owner and police. But these must be combined with other safety devices such as wheel clamps and hitch locks – read our full guide to keeping your caravan safe from theft here.