CARAVAN owners in Swindon and Wiltshire are being targeted by thieves, prompting police to urge vigilance.

Two caravans were stolen from a storage yard in Marlborough Road in Swindon between November 3 and 4 after the thieves cut through padlocks to get to them. A week later a Lunar Quasar caravan was stolen from the same location.

The number plate was taken off and dumped at the scene when a Sapphire caravan was stolen from an address in Sheld Drive, Lyneham, between December 5 and 6.

More caravans have also been stolen from Marlborough, Trowbridge and Chippenham.

In one incident earlier this month three wire fences were cut at a storage facility in Trowbridge and a Bailey Barcelona caravan was stolen.

The suspects were then involved in a collision in the Thames Valley area. A man was arrested and later released under investigation while enquiries continue. 

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Our enquiries are ongoing in relation to each of these incidents and we have been carrying out visibility patrols in the areas targeted.

"We understand that these thefts can have a real impact on the victims – the caravans stolen are worth thousands of pounds. 

“We always advise caravan owners to fit security devices to their vehicles to protect them from theft or break-ins. It may seem like an extra expense but investing in these devices could really help reduce your risk of falling victim to crime.

“We would also encourage anyone who suspects a vehicle to be stolen to report it immediately – signs to look out for include a tampered with CRIS number, damage to the towing hitch, mismatched wheels and registration plates and missing original documentation."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.