By Danielle Kutchel
A Langwarrin couple is pleading for the safe return of their caravan after it was stolen from their property on Wednesday.
Daughter Sarah Smith said her parents had only bought the van in December and were looking forward to a relaxing retirement in it but felt that their plans had now been ruined.
“They’ve only had two trips away so far, it’s the start of their retirement.
“After working all your life, it’s being able to reward yourself and go out and buy a van and start to travel. I’ve got a campervan; my brother has one too, so it’s all those family trips we were planning. My mum has seven grandkids to look after, and she was looking forward to enjoying that time with the grandkids.”
She said she believes the theft was planned, as it looks like the burglars brought an angle grinder to cut the tow ball and release the van before driving off with it.
“They’ve obviously planned it because it was taken on the only day mum goes out. Someone’s been watching her movements. It’s scary to think somebody’s been watching your whereabouts to know when you’re out.”
A report has been lodged with police. On Thursday, a possible sighting of the lost van was reported from Somerton on the Hume Highway, being towed by a silver Nissan Navara.
Ms Smith said she was grateful for the community’s help so far, but hoped the van could be found soon. She recommended other caravan owners find ways of protecting their pride and joy.
“You can get GPS trackers that are really good in caravans, so if your van is stolen you can track where it is. The thing is, everyone who has a caravan has it on their front yard and if it’s got a tow ball lock, thieves aren’t scared because they’re prepared.”
The stolen van is a Jayco Sterling 2010 model, and is white and burgundy with a dint in the driver’s side towards the bottom. The registration is T82954.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Carrum Downs Police.
