Police urge caravan security vigilance (From Tivyside Advertiser)
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Police urge caravan security vigilance
9:15am Friday 31st August 2012 in News
Dyfed-Powys Police is launching a caravan and shed security initiative to combat burglaries.
Police are urging members of the public to be vigilant and ensure they maintain appropriate security following a spate of burglaries from static caravans and sheds in Ceredigion.
Offenders tend to choose unoccupied caravans with a lot of natural coverage and easy escape routes through the caravan sites.
They also target small side and bathroom windows as well as the suite windows to gain access into the caravan.
Owners and site proprietors are being advised by the Community Safety officer for Ceredigion to install window locks as well as robust caravan door locks to prevent them being forced-open.
Desirable items such as flat screen TVs, DVD players and games consoles are the favoured electrical items for most caravan-break thieves, as they are of high-value and easy to dispose.
Community Safety PC Pat Jalloal said: “I would encourage owners to ensure that these items are removed from the caravan during unoccupied times. It will also be advantageous to mark properties with
UV pens, which can be obtained from site proprietors or the Aberystwyth Police station.
“Proprietors should ensure that CCTV systems and external site lighting is in good working order to assist the police and act as a deterrent.”
Police in Ceredigion will be conducting high-visibility patrols at the various caravan sites across the county.
PC Jalloal added: “Not all burglars target houses, some are opportunists so it is important that expensive equipment is not left unattended and on display – especially when your caravan is not being used.
"Police in Ceredigion are using Smartwater technology in some caravan sites as this will inadvertently link the burglar to the crime, so burglars beware!”
further home security advice, contact PC Patrick Jalloal on 101 or email: patrick.jalloal@Dyfed-Powys.pnn.police.uk.
