A family caravan holiday has been ruined by opportunist thieves who took the caravan during a stop at a motorway service station.
The caravan was parked at Clacket Lane services which can be found on the M25 in Surrey near the Kent border. A distinctive-looking 2002 edition Dethleff caravan worth around 5,000 was unhitched in broad daylight. The vehicle was filled with items including bottles of Champagne as well as a laptop and a digital camera worth £500.
Detective Constable Julian Knowles of Surrey Police has described the family as ‘devastated’ in the wake of the theft.
“It cannot be underestimated how brazen this theft was. The caravan was unhitched from the family’s car and driven away within a very short amount of time. We do not know which direction the caravan was taken which is why we are appealing for information.”
“This is an incredibly unusual theft to occur and I am sure someone will know where this caravan and contents are or who was responsible.
He also added an appeal to potential caravan buyers to be wary of the likelihood that the vehicle will eventually be placed on the market.
“I am appealing to caravan enthusiasts who may be offered a white Dethleffs for sale at a heavily reduced price to contact us immediately as it may belong to this family.”
Surrey Police have launched an appeal for information following the incident. Detective Knowles noted “With your help we can reunite this family with their possessions and hopefully they can salvage something of their summer holiday together.”
If you were at Clacket Lane services on Monday, 3 August, between 9am and 10.30am, anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Reigate CID.
The number to call is 0845 125 2222 and ther reference is TD/09/4179.
Alternatively you can of course contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
