Summer thieves hit caravan sites

Caravan owners on the East Coast are being warned to keep their properties safe after a spate of thefts.

According to Lincolnshire Police figures, the East Coast has about 200,000 static and touring caravans - the largest concentration in Europe.

Police said owners needed to get more "security savvy" as despite warnings, thieves were still getting into caravans and stealing items.

Ingoldmells, Skegness and Chapel St Leonards have all reported break-ins.

Sneak-in thefts

Police Community Support Officer Chris Wood said: "As the price of everyday living increases, any item that is in easy reach will be taken.

"Caravans left during the summer are often targeted by thieves for electrical equipment such as televisions, radios and even kitchenware such as kettles and microwaves. Nothing is safe."

He added many of the incidents were sneak-in burglaries where thieves have walked in through open doors or reached in through windows and taken handbags, wallets and mobile phones.

In several cases, car keys have been stolen and thieves have driven off in cars parked outside caravans.

Posters and leaflets are being put up around caravanning areas and sites are being encouraged to sign up to the Caravan Watch scheme.