Absent caravans offer a beacon to burglars, police warn

by Chris Jefferies
Burglars in the Doncaster area have been targeting caravan owners, as the absence of a tourer in their driveway is taken as a sure sign that the house is unoccupied.
South Yorkshire police have issued this warning after a spate of burglaries, which are thought to be down to a small group of people.
Officers are keen to speak to the man pictured, as they believe that he may be able to assist with the investigation.
Caravan owners are advised to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and pay particular attention to the safety and security of their homes before they set off on their touring holiday.
Detective Inspector Steve Whittaker said: “I would strongly advise residents to be vigilant. We believe this is a small group of people that are targeting houses when residents take their caravans from the drive or garden away for their summer holidays.”
He added that South Yorkshire Police are aiming to combat this rise in domestic robberies by increasing the number of patrols in the Doncaster area.
Other domestic tips for caravan owners heading away this summer include installing a burglar alarm, keeping cash and valuables stored safely and out of plain view, setting timers on lights to create the impression that someone is at home, and asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your house.