POLICE are cracking down on thefts and attempted thefts of caravans and motorhomes in rural areas of Warrington.

Officers from Cheshire Police’s Rural Crime Team have stepped up patrols in villages on the outskirts of the town, such as Croft, Lymm, Winwick and Burtonwood.

The force says it is working with colleagues across the border in Greater Manchester and Merseyside in an attempt to catch those responsible.

It has also offered advice to caravan owners to ensure vehicles are secure and do not become an easy target for thieves.

In an update, the Rural Crime Team said: “We are out in the extensive rural areas around Warrington, including Croft, Lymm, Winwick and Burtonwood.

“We have completed final arrangements to receive an additional enhanced caravan scanner to increase our stolen caravan identification capabilities.

“This is all due to an increase in reports of caravan thefts in the vicinity, and the patrolling runs parallel with ongoing investigations and regional cooperation with other forces.

“With the glorious summer caravanning period coming towards an end for another year, please ensure your caravans and motorhomes are robustly secured.”

Officers say all items of value and documentation should be removed, while all doors, skylights and windows should be locked.

Consider closing blinds and installing lights to suggest occupancy and deter thieves, as well as security marking and registering caravans with an approved registration and identification scheme.

Other safety steps include installing trackers, hitch locks and wheel clamps, or consider restricting access with gates and bollards or install CCTV.

Officers added: “Unfortunately, the above may be onerous, plus of course you should be able to leave your assets without fear of damage or theft.

“But sadly, these measures are essential to avoid you suffering theft, and the more layers you apply, the safer your caravan or motorhome will be.”