Pensioner carried away in stolen caravan
William Roberts was asleep in his Hobby caravan when it was stolen
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Wednesday, 07, Jul 2010 10:54
A pensioner has become the latest victim to have his caravan stolen whilst still on board.
William John Roberts bedded down for the night in his 25 foot Hobby caravan, only to be rudely awoken the next morning as crooks drove it over a kerb.
Mr Roberts parked his 'van in the driveway outside his home, which is currently undergoing renovations, just 24 hours before the robbery. Thieves removed a pillar to gain access to the rig, and proceeded to run over a kerb at a roundabout startling Mr Williams awake.
The 73 year-old describes how plates, cups and glasses fell off the shelves, and acknowledged he was fortunate not to sustain any injuries. He told the Daily Post: "I was lucky I didn't cut myself."
The uninsured caravan came to a halt at a lay-by along the A55, when Mr Roberts seized the opportunity to flee the vehicle. He said: "When we stopped, I got out and dived over the barrier and into the bushes. I got to my feet. I was a bit shaky".
The incident was clearly very distressing for Mr Roberts, who has seven children but lives by himself in Towyn, North Wales.
John Wilson, the joint owner of a local caravan supplier, described the frightening event: "He was very shook up. I was concerned for him. The most terrifying thing was he was screaming through the caravan windows."
In an act of neighbourly generosity, J&J Caravans who have known Mr Roberts for fifteen years have lent him a Super Sprite caravan. Mr Wilson told the Daily Post: "I've loaned him a caravan and bedding as a gesture of goodwill because he's homeless."
The caravan was recovered and transported to the North Wales Recovery base in Conwy. A man and woman denied theft at Llandudno magistrates Court, but were refused bail.
Meanwhile, a couple in their sixties were recently caught inside their caravan when a thief drove off with them still inside.