Detective Inspector Joanne Roe, from Humberside Police, Serious and Acquisitive Crime Team said: “I have a strong suspicion homes have been specifically targeted to be burgled after the offender has toured around the East Riding looking for caravan owners and making note of any which look like they are getting ready to go away.
“The majority of the burglaries have happened across a weekend, which is what led me to my theory. I believe homes with caravans parked outside their addresses are being watched days prior to them going on a trip in their caravan.
“I am strongly advising where possible to leave your caravan in a reputable storage compound away from your home when the caravan is not in use.
“Inform trusted neighbours, friends or family of your trip and ask them to regularly check on your home, along with using timer switches on a radio or lights to give the impression your home is occupied, and make sure your home security is up to scratch and avoid leaving valuables on display, which would possibly tempt someone to break into your home.
“In order to stop this type of crime, I would urge anyone who witnesses a car or a person acting suspicious near their home to call the police. You might just have seen the offender.
“With two more bank holiday weekends approaching, I would like you armed with this knowledge, in order to protect yourself and your home from being targeted.
“If you are concerned by anything you have read in this letter, please contact Humberside Police on the non emergency number 101, and ask for a crime prevention survey. Your local officer will be happy to give you 1-2-1 advice on your individual circumstances”.
It is believed homes in the East Riding, North, South and West Yorkshire along with Lincolnshire have all experienced similar circumstances prior to their victims’ homes being burgled.