Suspected stolen caravans seized across Kent in rural crime clampdown
Police issue advice for owners
Five suspected stolen caravans have been recovered and three people arrested following a week of proactive enforcement by Kent Police’s Rural Task Force.
On Friday 20 June 2025, a 26-year-old man from Sittingbourne was detained after officers stopped a vehicle near Minster, Thanet. The caravan it was towing was seized after enquiries established it had been reported stolen in Macclesfield, Cheshire in 2021. The man was arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.
Later that day, officers attended an unauthorised encampment in Faversham and a second tourer was recovered, after it was found to have been reported stolen in Sevenoaks in 2021.
A third camper was seized on Wednesday 25 June from Gravesend after checks concluded it was stolen from south Wales, also in 2021.
The following day, officers detained a 35-year-old man from Chatham and a 28-year-old woman from Snodland following a reported caravan theft in Leysdown, earlier in the month. A trailer located in Medway was also seized in connection with the investigation.
Patrols seized a further suspected stolen caravan after officers were alerted to it being towed irregularly on the M2 near Faversham on Friday 27 June.
Sgt Ross Haybourne from the Rural Task Force said: “We carry out regular and frequent operations to disrupt the theft of stolen plant and agricultural machinery, as well as leisure vehicles including caravans. Our officers have undertaken training to enable us to identify suspected stolen caravans resulting in a number of seizures and arrests.
“While the investigations into the seized caravans continue, I would like to remind owners of steps that can be taken to safeguard their property. This can include registration with an approved identification scheme; installing a tracking system and fitting anti-theft devices to deter would-be culprits.”
Further advice:
• Subscribe to an approved caravan and motorhome registration and identification scheme. Unique and clear identification markings on your van are not only an effective deterrent, but they can greatly assist with recovery and provide the police with vital information about your caravan.
• Installing an alarm makes any theft more difficult and your caravan less attractive. Fit a tracking device so the caravan can be traced if stolen. Consider fitting a combination of several products such as a hitch lock anti-theft device, wheel clamps, pedal locks, locking wheel nuts, steering wheel locks and ground anchors with a high attack rating. You may also want to fit a breathable cover, which can be customised to help identification.
• Keep a record of serial numbers, chassis and model numbers and take note of any custom marks on the caravan or trailer. Take colour photographs from several angles and additionally take videos with a smartphone if possible, including roof markings. Security marking your caravan using a recognised forensic asset marking is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.
• Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings. Stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure number plates.