by Joe Jeffrey
Police work alongside Caravan Park Watch scheme in order to decrease caravan-related burglaries
Lincolnshire police have reported a rise in caravan burglaries in coastal parks.
The increase, mainly concentrating along the coast in the Mablethorpe, Trustthorpe and Sutton on Sea areas, has led to police working closer alongside caravan security scheme, Caravan Park Watch.
Detective Inspector Richard Myszczyszyn, from Skegness CID, said: “Unfortunately, we have seen a recent rise in the number of burglaries along the coast in the Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe and Sutton On Sea areas.
“Some burglaries have taken place at caravan parks and we are working closely with all the members of Caravan Park Watch to ensure that all valuables are removed at the end of the season.”
Lincolnshire, known for having one of the highest densities of caravans in Europe, introduced Caravan Watch earlier this year as summer came to a close in order to further improve safety measures. The scheme included the implementation of compulsory measures, including the removal of valuables from caravans, as well as the disclosure of information pertaining to people involved in burglaries.
Lincolnshire police have launched a series of safety tips for caravanners ahead of the winter months, which are:
1. Remove all valuables from your caravan, especially flat screen TVs – games consoles and DVD players. Do not be tempted to leave them under the bed, or in a cupboard, thieves will find them.
2. Leave all curtains open and remove net curtains. Make it clear to would be thieves, there is nothing worth stealing.
3. Leave cupboard doors open, strip bedding and DO NOT pile items in the middle of the floor. Make it clear to a would-be thief that there is nothing of value, in or under anything!
4. Ensure that all your contact details are up to date at the site office.
5. Place valuables removed signs on your caravan windows.
6. Ensure all your windows are locked and if possible cable tie the handles.
7. Remove all valuable equipment from your shed or store, especially fishing equipment and bikes. Consider leaving these unlocked, so would be thieves can see there is nothing in, without damaging anything to find out.
8. Wipe down all surfaces and windows, police then know any fingerprints are new.
9. Leave a sheet of paper inside the doorways when you finally lock up. Footprints on the paper can be used to help trace offenders.
10. Use a UV pen to mark any property left behind and register all your property at immobilise.com for FREE! If police can prove it’s yours, they have more chance of prosecuting those now in possession of it.
