Gypsy gang responsible for half of UK caravan thefts
The gang were responsible for 50 per cent of caravan thefts in the UK
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A band of crooks have been convicted of stealing caravans and other vehicles worth more than £1 million. |
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Caravan owners heading to sites in the south-west may notice an improvement in health and safety standards this summer. |
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Thursday, 28, Jan 2010 10:18
The gang of caravan thieves convicted yesterday (January 27th) are believed to have been responsible for almost 50 per cent of mobile home thefts in the UK.
Charlie Ward, Martin Ward, John McDonagh and Martin McDonagh were convicted of conspiracy to steal at Winchester Crown Court after police found over £1 million worth of stolen property in their possession.
Included in the haul - discovered after a massive police operation involving 19 forces - were £700,000 worth of caravans and £100,000 of jewellery.
The goods were impounded in 2007 after 120 police officers raided a gypsy camp near Swindon in Wiltshire.
Since the men were arrested, the number of stolen caravans and motorhomes in the UK has plummeted from more than 850 to less than 460.
Meanwhile, France Magazine editor Carolyn Boyd has suggested that British caravan enthusiasts may find a trip across the channel more cost effective than staying in the UK.