Just read this online. Have got to feel for them. Reminder to be careful where and how you park your van both when in storage or ready to depart for a trip.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...d-out-by-thieves/story-fngr8i1f-1227627837439
"BEROWRA Heights pensioners John and Glynda Croker are devastated after electronic items and other property worth thousands was stolen from their caravan recently.
The couple was intending to take a trip north of Coffs Harbour during the Christmas holidays but their plans are now in disarray.
Among the items stolen were a solar panel, satellite dish, television, DVD player, barbecue, even clothes, torches, board games and a laundry basket.
The break-in occurred some time during the evening of Tuesday, November 17, while the caravan was parked on the nature strip in front of their home.
“Pretty much the only thing that they have left are two umbrellas and the cutlery,” their daughter Deniell Croker said. “They are absolutely devastated.”
Ms Croker said her parents had worked hard all their lives “to earn a small bit of luxury in the retiring years”.
“They (the thieves) knew what they were doing because they had tools; they actually unscrewed things rather than pull things out and they cut wires rather than rip them out,” she said.
“They also took the batteries for the caravan.”
While they have insurance, some items like the satellite dish are not covered by their policy.
The couple has reported the theft to the police but also wanted to warn others.
Ku-ring-gai Local Area Command crime prevention officer Paul Cleary said this type of incident was uncommon, although caravans were a “soft target”.
He advised owners to look at security measures such as an alarm, sensor lights and improved locks for doors and windows."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...d-out-by-thieves/story-fngr8i1f-1227627837439
"BEROWRA Heights pensioners John and Glynda Croker are devastated after electronic items and other property worth thousands was stolen from their caravan recently.
The couple was intending to take a trip north of Coffs Harbour during the Christmas holidays but their plans are now in disarray.
Among the items stolen were a solar panel, satellite dish, television, DVD player, barbecue, even clothes, torches, board games and a laundry basket.
The break-in occurred some time during the evening of Tuesday, November 17, while the caravan was parked on the nature strip in front of their home.
“Pretty much the only thing that they have left are two umbrellas and the cutlery,” their daughter Deniell Croker said. “They are absolutely devastated.”
Ms Croker said her parents had worked hard all their lives “to earn a small bit of luxury in the retiring years”.
“They (the thieves) knew what they were doing because they had tools; they actually unscrewed things rather than pull things out and they cut wires rather than rip them out,” she said.
“They also took the batteries for the caravan.”
While they have insurance, some items like the satellite dish are not covered by their policy.
The couple has reported the theft to the police but also wanted to warn others.
Ku-ring-gai Local Area Command crime prevention officer Paul Cleary said this type of incident was uncommon, although caravans were a “soft target”.
He advised owners to look at security measures such as an alarm, sensor lights and improved locks for doors and windows."
