County's caravan theft outbreak

Police have advised owners to secure their caravans

Gloucestershire is suffering a spate of caravan thefts.

Police believe an organised gang is targeting the county after caravans were stolen from the Tewkesbury, Twyning, Bishops Cleeve and Quedgeley areas during the last month.

Crime Reduction Officer Paul Francis said: "This group will go to any lengths to steal their target and will overcome significant obstacles to do so.

"We are concerned that physical barriers are proving to be inadequate and we want to encourage the use of innovative electronic devices that are now available.

"These include a tracking device that will alert you if the caravan starts to move.

"We would also advise people to secure their vans with locking wheel clamps and tow hitching locks.

"All new caravans should have a CRIS number. This is a unique identification number issued at the time of manufacture.

"This number will be found on the windows of all new caravans. The caravan will come with a registration document containing this number."