Thousands of caravans are reported stolen in the UK every year — with more than a quarter of them never recovered.

Divisional crime prevention officer Colin Brough said of the local crimes, “Although there have only been three or four instances, it is likely there is someone out there targeting caravans and this is a trend which may continue.”

There is a thriving black market in stolen caravans across the country — an operation by police south of the border last year recovered £100,000 worth of missing holiday homes in the space of a few days.

One family revealed how they had shelled out £4000 for a second-hand caravan, then had to hand it over when officers discovered it had been stolen three years earlier.

Constable Brough said caravan owners could protect their pride and joy from thieves “for literally pennies”.

He continued, “In the UK around 3000 caravans are reported stolen each year, representing a major inconvenience to their owners.

“By writing the caravan Vehicle Identification Number in hidden places, such as on the underside of drawers, in cupboards and on other areas of bare wood, owners can help the police identify their caravan if it is ever stolen.

“Owners should also consider other security measures. These include locking the caravan coupling head into a cover using a good quality hitchlock and fitting locking wheel nuts.

“Don’t forget to close all windows and doors, including the rooflight every time you leave your caravan and remember never to leave anything valuable on display including anything with your address on it.”

Further security advice is available from the websites of the National Caravan Council, Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club, or from Constable Brough on Dundee 591937.