Thieves beat security system at Wideopen caravan compound

Aug 7 2011 by Mr Justice, Sunday Sun

THIEVES have beaten a sophisticated security system to steal from a caravan compound.

Jane Hemmingfield said youths had managed to get into the compound at Sandy Lane, Wideopen, North Tyneside, and swipe furnishings from her caravan which was in storage.

She said the thieves had evaded high walls and newly-installed cameras and added that it will take £1,900 to replace the stolen items.

Jane, of Ryton, Gateshead, said; “My caravan has been there for years without any bother, but two years ago they removed the on-site security and replaced it with remote surveillance.

“However, I received a phone call asking me to go and check my caravan as there had been intruders on the site.

“I was devastated to discover my caravan had been broken into and the seats had been stolen.”

Security footage showed the thieves opening her caravan window from the outside.

“I find it hard to understand how the system did not pick up the thieves before they broke into the caravan,” she added.

Jane thinks it’s unfair she is expected to claim on her own insurance.

The vehicle was in storage at United British Caravans where owner Tom Lambert said: “We have put in a lot of effort over the years but caravans are stored at the owner’s risk and they sign an agreement to that effect.

“Do we do our damndest to stop things like this happening? Yes, we do.

“We are reviewing our arrangements and the security firm is looking at slightly changing the angle of the camera.”

He offered Jane a special deal to replace the stolen items at a discounted price.