Out of season crime at caravan sites in Weardale has been cut in half following the implementation of a police scheme.
Caravan Watch was introduced by local police in Weardale, County Durham, after a surge in incidents of criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and theft during the low season when few people occupy sites in the area.
As part of the scheme, local police teams visited all sites in the vicinity of Weardale, opening up a dialogue with park managers and looking to lay out a long-term strategy to combat the problem, the Northern Echo reported.
Based on the similar and successful Farm Watch introduced in the area, site owners and residents have signed up to the scheme and have committed to sharing information about criminal behaviour in a bid to help stamp it out.
Tracy Bilton, a police community support officer in Stanhope, told the news provider that the scheme is working because it is raising awareness of site security and fostering good links between owners and residents.
“The scheme has already proved its worth and is having a positive impact on tourism and the local community,” she added.
In addition to this, the scheme is seeing Caravan Watch signage put up at sites across Weardale, while door and window alarms are being rolled out and UV pens issued to mark items in case they are stolen.
