I am posting this message in the hope someone can help or offer advice. We bought our first caravan last month - a 2006 Bailey Pageant Provence. We had been keeping it on our secluded drive until we had time to investigate suitable storage. At around 3.15 in the afternoon on Thursday 25th May, 3 thieves entered our property and managed to hitch up the van before being interrupted by my fiancee. They then tried to make a hasty exit. Instinctively, my fiancee ran alongside the car to the top of the drive and subsequently got crushed between the gatepost and moving caravan. One of the thieves made eye contact from the road, they left her lying on the ground and made away with the outfit. Her injuries include crush injuries to the head, numerous scrapes & bruises and a broken collar bone. To add insult to injury, we are due to get married at the beginning of June - my fiancee is in agony and traumatised by the whole event. We are convinced this was a targeted theft as the van could not be seen from the road. The police are not optimistic of finding either the van or the thieves. Needless to say, our introduction to the world of caravanning has been smashed apart. We were looking forward to many breaks and adventures in our new pride and joy.....
violent caravan theft
- Thread starter Kevin_5113869
- Start date
Hi Kevin,
I am so sorry to hear of loss of your caravan and the injuries to your fiancee as I am sure a lot of people on this forum are.These ratbags who go round nicking caravans are usually scum.As for the police saying that they are not very optimistic about finding the caravan I bet they have a good idea where its gone,but unfortunately the kind of rubbish that take caravans can be of a violent types and obviosly they,re a bit sceptical about tackling them.If and when you replace your caravan ask your dealer if he knows of a good storage park they usually know of somewhere.Best of luck to you both and I hope you and your fiancee have a happy life to-gether.Jim.
I am so sorry to hear of loss of your caravan and the injuries to your fiancee as I am sure a lot of people on this forum are.These ratbags who go round nicking caravans are usually scum.As for the police saying that they are not very optimistic about finding the caravan I bet they have a good idea where its gone,but unfortunately the kind of rubbish that take caravans can be of a violent types and obviosly they,re a bit sceptical about tackling them.If and when you replace your caravan ask your dealer if he knows of a good storage park they usually know of somewhere.Best of luck to you both and I hope you and your fiancee have a happy life to-gether.Jim.
Sorry to hear about your fiancee and caravan Kevin. Hope she gets on the mend soon.
Unfortunately, the theft of caravans is on the increase. As you say, sometimes vans are targeted but usually all end up being used by the travelling fraternity.
Hopefully the offenders will be caught but don't believe a word Jim says about the police not wanting to tackle them because they are violent. This is absolute rubbish.
Unfortunately, the theft of caravans is on the increase. As you say, sometimes vans are targeted but usually all end up being used by the travelling fraternity.
Hopefully the offenders will be caught but don't believe a word Jim says about the police not wanting to tackle them because they are violent. This is absolute rubbish.
I hope your girlfriend gets better soon, as for the scum who stole your van I can only wish the worst kind of cancer on them and their families. I am not the forgiving type. I don't know where you live but in most areas they have CCTV cameras. I would ask the police to check a 5 mile radius just to see if a number plate turns up. This could be cross referenced to all ferry ports in the UK. All comings and goings are recorded.
After all it could be a
After all it could be a
Thoughts are with you both, the key thing to remember is vanning is great! so do not let this put you off.
Get your storage sorted for when you get your old one back or a replacement.
The Uk is increasingly filling with an element of scum, until the law gets tough and starts kicking ass for a long long time, things will only get worse, sorry I will start getting political soon.
Wish you both a happy wedding and a great life together, if vanning gives you both the same joy that it has to both me and the long suffering, this experience will soon be behind you.
F and E
XX
Get your storage sorted for when you get your old one back or a replacement.
The Uk is increasingly filling with an element of scum, until the law gets tough and starts kicking ass for a long long time, things will only get worse, sorry I will start getting political soon.
Wish you both a happy wedding and a great life together, if vanning gives you both the same joy that it has to both me and the long suffering, this experience will soon be behind you.
F and E
XX
HI Kevin.
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to you both.
While thieft of anything is a very distressful time for the victim, you should not let it stop you from moving on and getting a replacement van.
Unfortunately the police these days are only concerned that you're insured and when I was burgled twice in a fortnight, that I didn't give the burglers a hiding.
It's natural human instinct for humans to want to protect their property and unfortunately your partner has paid the price of that, done by unscroupleous scum who don't give a s*1t.
I do wish her a speedy recovery and the both of you a happier future.
Steve.
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to you both.
While thieft of anything is a very distressful time for the victim, you should not let it stop you from moving on and getting a replacement van.
Unfortunately the police these days are only concerned that you're insured and when I was burgled twice in a fortnight, that I didn't give the burglers a hiding.
It's natural human instinct for humans to want to protect their property and unfortunately your partner has paid the price of that, done by unscroupleous scum who don't give a s*1t.
I do wish her a speedy recovery and the both of you a happier future.
Steve.
The police should be treating this as attempted murder or manslaughter at the least.To heck with the caravan this is hit and run or agrivated theft and should be investigated as such.I would like to help if I could perhaps admin could give you my email address and I will send out your caravan details to my members allong with the serial number of your caravan.
Martin, Don`t let L**a know you think it`s one of the "Travelling Fraternity" or you`ll be in trouble.
She`ll send them around and tarmac your drive !!!!
She`ll send them around and tarmac your drive !!!!
thanks to all of you who have posted your responses, we appreciate your support. I am attempting to persuade the police this is more than "theft of a caravan" and possibly "failure to stop at an accident" if they can prove it....as ever, the law is weighted toward the criminal. Like many of you caravan owners, it's concerning how seemingly little value is placed on, not only the injuries sustained by my fiancee (as, afterall, she wouldn't have them if they hadn't stolen the outfit) but the actual theft itself. We are determined not to let this put us off caravanning...time will tell. But, in the mean time, if you notice a Bailey Provence in suspicious circumstances, please advise..thanks
With the fear of theft ever on our mind I took the opertunity of buying a set of stick on 8" letter making up our full post code and sticking them on the flat roof of our new van within minutes of getting it to its storage place.
With so many CCTV cameras up on buildings it seemed a cheap (
With so many CCTV cameras up on buildings it seemed a cheap (
My husband has also suggested us having those numbers put on top of our van.
Kevin, I cannot believe what i have just read what has happened to you. What a nerve at that time of the day, in broad daylight! These people are the lowest of the low and i really hope they are caught - soon.
Speedy recovery to your fiancee.
Kevin, I cannot believe what i have just read what has happened to you. What a nerve at that time of the day, in broad daylight! These people are the lowest of the low and i really hope they are caught - soon.
Speedy recovery to your fiancee.
My old van was stolen in broad daylight,wheelclamp, hitchlock cut off, locked gates smashed open and the alarm probably ignored by everyone it passed.
New van now has Tracker,4 x wheelclamps ,hitchlock, ground anchor,microdots,electronic chips,alarm and STOLEN CALL 999 in the back window. It sits behind locked gates, 2x Bulldog posts and is monitored by 3 cameras that record anything that moves.
Paranoid,you bet.
If you got a "bargain" somewhere ,where would you go when you wanted to replace it ?
The police didn't want to know about my old van, it was 12 hours before they even took the details !! "Just claim " they said "you won't want it back" , at least I wanted them to try to catch those responcible.
Anyway nice new van now.....
....and nice big loan to bridge the gap !!!!
Brian (",)
New van now has Tracker,4 x wheelclamps ,hitchlock, ground anchor,microdots,electronic chips,alarm and STOLEN CALL 999 in the back window. It sits behind locked gates, 2x Bulldog posts and is monitored by 3 cameras that record anything that moves.
Paranoid,you bet.
If you got a "bargain" somewhere ,where would you go when you wanted to replace it ?
The police didn't want to know about my old van, it was 12 hours before they even took the details !! "Just claim " they said "you won't want it back" , at least I wanted them to try to catch those responcible.
Anyway nice new van now.....
....and nice big loan to bridge the gap !!!!
Brian (",)
I would urge you to think a bit more before putting your post code on the top of the van .It gives a would be thief a perfect opportunity of breaking into your house whilst you are away as they stand on motorway bridges and read your post code .I would put the caravan serial number on it.
All,
The Original Post has got to be one of the most frightening we've read on the forum.
These scumbags want catching.
Dear Kevin,
Forget the van for the moment, your beloved was lucky not to be pulled under the van. May I suggest you contact the editor of the local paper, a story like this is exactly want the Police won't want (Son of Ex Police officer) it may just stir them to catch these scum bags.
Taking the point of CCTV - I can't believe these thieves won't turn up with a reg number somewhere.
Kindest regards
Monkeys Husband
The Original Post has got to be one of the most frightening we've read on the forum.
These scumbags want catching.
Dear Kevin,
Forget the van for the moment, your beloved was lucky not to be pulled under the van. May I suggest you contact the editor of the local paper, a story like this is exactly want the Police won't want (Son of Ex Police officer) it may just stir them to catch these scum bags.
Taking the point of CCTV - I can't believe these thieves won't turn up with a reg number somewhere.
Kindest regards
Monkeys Husband
What shocks me most of all is that the police appear to be dithering between treating the incident as a case of "theft of a caravan" and "failure to stop after an accident". I fully endorse Eric's opinion that it's much worse than that. To me the theft of the caravan takes second priority to the personal injuries caused.
Martin,
Take a look at Brian(St.Albans)thread ,he lives approximately 6 miles from me.It appears that the police response may be much better in your area to ours.I do believe the travelling fraternity are a worrying type of person to deal with hence the kind of response we get when we get a problem like caravan theft.I am also sorry you thought I was talking rubbish,so before you tell anyone there talking rubbish try to get your facts right first.Jim
Take a look at Brian(St.Albans)thread ,he lives approximately 6 miles from me.It appears that the police response may be much better in your area to ours.I do believe the travelling fraternity are a worrying type of person to deal with hence the kind of response we get when we get a problem like caravan theft.I am also sorry you thought I was talking rubbish,so before you tell anyone there talking rubbish try to get your facts right first.Jim
Jim, my facts are perfectly right. If you re-read your original posting, you will find that it reads you claim the police are sceptical about tracing offenders because they are violent. I think that this is a bit of a sweeping statement made without foundation. The recent case of 2 policewomen being killed tackling violent offenders says it all.
Unless they are fitted with such devices as a Tracker, caravans are not very easy to trace. A lot of other factors come into play such as the storage owner not informing the police (or owner) of a caravan theft until days later. If there is no CCTV or witnesses to the theft, this narrows down the lines of enquiry even further. The police have the facility to put stolen caravan ID numbers onto the Police National Computer but this would only come into play when a caravan believed to be stolen was recovered and a search of the chassis number was made.
Kevin, I hope that your fiancee is on the mend. Can I suggest that if you are not happy with the investigation that you firstly contact the officer dealing with the case for an update. If after this you haven't got the answers you require, ask to speak to the officers Sgt or Inspector.
Unless they are fitted with such devices as a Tracker, caravans are not very easy to trace. A lot of other factors come into play such as the storage owner not informing the police (or owner) of a caravan theft until days later. If there is no CCTV or witnesses to the theft, this narrows down the lines of enquiry even further. The police have the facility to put stolen caravan ID numbers onto the Police National Computer but this would only come into play when a caravan believed to be stolen was recovered and a search of the chassis number was made.
Kevin, I hope that your fiancee is on the mend. Can I suggest that if you are not happy with the investigation that you firstly contact the officer dealing with the case for an update. If after this you haven't got the answers you require, ask to speak to the officers Sgt or Inspector.
kevin i have goosebumps just reading your posting - what a terrifying experience. I agree the police should be treating this as a serious crime. I hope your other half is soon on the mend and your wedding goes to plan. if i were you i would be calling the police everyday to find out what they are doing to detect the scumbags and insist they check CCTV and dont accept their excuses of short of manpower. How far do we caravanners have to go to protect our vans - chain a vicious dog to the hitchlock?
Now you know you can't do that, it might bite the scumbags, then you will be in court for keeping a dangerous Dog,and the police will be round your house PRONTO. makes you laugh, or it cry.
An update for those who have been kind enough to read/post your views! We featured in one of our local papers, The Crawley Observer, quite a big article on page 3, and also were featured on the local radio station, Radio Mercury. I have also been in contact with the local police inspector, whose area is East Grinstead, home of The Caravan Club, but to date we have got very little further with the investigation. West Sussex only has 18 miles of motorway, which has no CCTV, and it seems too much hassle for neighbouring forces to be checking theirs!
Poor Emma-Jayne, my financee, had to cancel her hen night on Saturday and we will be returning to the hospital on Tuesday to find out whether she will be fit to fly out to Barbados the following Monday to be married. We are trying to remain positive about our caravanning experience so far and would ask anyone who sees a Bailey Series 5 Pageant Provence (2006 model)to let us know. Additionally if anyone knows roughly how many of this model Bailey would have manufactured that would be most helpful.
Kind regards to you all and thanks again for your support.
Kevin
Poor Emma-Jayne, my financee, had to cancel her hen night on Saturday and we will be returning to the hospital on Tuesday to find out whether she will be fit to fly out to Barbados the following Monday to be married. We are trying to remain positive about our caravanning experience so far and would ask anyone who sees a Bailey Series 5 Pageant Provence (2006 model)to let us know. Additionally if anyone knows roughly how many of this model Bailey would have manufactured that would be most helpful.
Kind regards to you all and thanks again for your support.
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
I cant believe what i have just read this is a hell of a lot more than caravan theft its attempted murder in my book and neibouring police forces should check there cctv they would do if you were a illegal immagrant.
The law protects the asailant more than the victim due to blairs stupid human rights act.
I to own a bailey padgent provance only mines last years model (2005) so i will be keeping a close look out for yours.
I hope your fiance is well enough to travel on your honeymoon and i hope everything works out for you with both your wedding and your caravaning but most of all i Hope the police do there job properly and these b*****ds are caught and brought to justice.
Best wishes to you both,
Andy
I cant believe what i have just read this is a hell of a lot more than caravan theft its attempted murder in my book and neibouring police forces should check there cctv they would do if you were a illegal immagrant.
The law protects the asailant more than the victim due to blairs stupid human rights act.
I to own a bailey padgent provance only mines last years model (2005) so i will be keeping a close look out for yours.
I hope your fiance is well enough to travel on your honeymoon and i hope everything works out for you with both your wedding and your caravaning but most of all i Hope the police do there job properly and these b*****ds are caught and brought to justice.
Best wishes to you both,
Andy
Kevin I'm not going to attempt to reply to your posting for the fear of my blood pressure going through the roof. This country is sick, all due to PC and human rights laws. There is no protection for the innocent. I will just wish your fiance a speedy recovery and hope you both get over the incident. Be positive Kevin, at least you still have her and can replace the van. I hope you can still carry on with your plans and have a long and happy married life.
Hi Kevin
I would add exactly the same as LB has said. If you can put this dreadful incident behind you - then do so.
I am appalled to hear that in my town of Fordingbridge, a local guy who I have the greatest respect for has raised
I would add exactly the same as LB has said. If you can put this dreadful incident behind you - then do so.
I am appalled to hear that in my town of Fordingbridge, a local guy who I have the greatest respect for has raised
Is it just me or is there now a genuine feeling of grivience by "Mr Average"?
Like Snappy - I am getting really p*ssed off that the honest people are getting less and less out of "Society" and being taxed/fined more and more and yet the thieves seem to be untouchable!
I find it appalling that the idiot Police Commissioner in North Wales has one of the lowest crime clear up rates in the country but he feels that speeding motorists should be treated the same as criminals.
With muppets like that in charge - God help us!
Like Snappy - I am getting really p*ssed off that the honest people are getting less and less out of "Society" and being taxed/fined more and more and yet the thieves seem to be untouchable!
I find it appalling that the idiot Police Commissioner in North Wales has one of the lowest crime clear up rates in the country but he feels that speeding motorists should be treated the same as criminals.
With muppets like that in charge - God help us!
Kevin, your poor fiancee has had a horrible experience and I'm not surprised at the level of righteous indignation everyone has been expressing on this site. I'm glad your case was given media coverage, the public should be aware of this poor response to your case and I hope the police are embarrassed by it. It's absolutely disgusting that people like that can knowingly harm an innocent person and nothing be done about it.
My husband and I really hope your fiancee will recover quickly, that you have a fantastic wedding and can put all this behind you. Good luck in replacing your caravan and finding suitable storage for it, and all the best for your future together.
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