Neighbourhood watch scheme urged for parks after triple caravan robbery

by Chris Jefferies
As part of Security Week, today we’re looking at the importance of keeping valuables out of sight and the value of being watchful neighbours and looking after the pitch next door.
Police in the Northumberland region have suggested that the owners of a local caravan park should form a neighbourhood watch-style scheme after three tourers were broken into during a 24-hour period earlier this month.
The thieves struck between midday on July 4th and midday the following day in the Westerheugh area and took several valuable items, including TVs, a Kindle, DVD players, a cool box and a duvet, the Northumberland Gazette reports.
Furthermore, the local paper reports that a bike was stolen from underneath a caravan at Amble Links caravan park over the weekend.
Sue Peart, Alnwick Neighbourhood Police Inspector, said: “When thieves break into caravans they are looking for items they can carry off quite easily. Remove them where you can, ensure that your caravan is as secure as possible and make sure you carry out regular checks on it.”
She added that caravan parks would be well advised to form a ‘Caravan Watch’ scheme, as this system has proved effective across Northumberland.
Under the scheme, Community Support Officers make regular trips to caravan parks to offer advice during meetings with caravan owners.
“If the owners all work together and form a watch scheme, similar to a Neighbourhood Watch system, then there is more chance of someone spotting any unusual people or behaviour on a caravan site,” Ms Peart added.