Stolen Caravan
Submitted: Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 11:47
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Smiffy
Hi All,
On 1st March my parents caravan was stolen from outside their
home and I am posting this hoping everyone can keep an eye out and we can hopefully maybe find the van and better still catch the thieves.
The van is a 26ft Bluestone which is predominantly white & burgundy. The caravan is custom made so there is no one exactly the same anywhere in Australia. The make "Bluestone" is posted at the front and rear of the van and also at the start of the decals on the side of the van. The decals are silver & burgundy and the protector panel on the front of the van is burgundy (see photos for the details, copy & paste the address into a browser).
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=338397&id=727469358&l=59893e9961
The caravan was stolen from Coburg, Victoria (northern suburb of
Melbourne) and based on a description from neighbours & tradesman in the area there were 2 men seen snooping around the street in the days before in a dark coloured vehicle similar to a Nissan Navara or perhaps even a smaller American made truck (like a Dodge or F150). We suspect these guys are the culprits.
There are no distinct marks or damage on the van to speak of, the only addition is a panel on the back of the van next to the rear window to stop the handlebar of a pushbike rubbing on the panels (a small square piece). Other items which were added to the van (which now may have been removed) were a retractable hose unit to hook up to water & Navy Stokers wheel cover. The van may have some under carriage damage as when it was stolen it was chocked up and they drove it straight off the chocks.
Victorian Registration was S53-475 but suspect this would have been removed by now.
If anyone spots this van anywhere in the country please contact the nearest police ASAP or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 who will refer it to the Detective on the case. Our suspicions are it has been taken to country Victoria or interstate and likely has been cosmetically changed to disguise it.
Let's hope we can find it as my parents retirement dream and trip up the east coast have now been bleep tered.
Thanks all
Adam
Reply By: Member - Troll 81 (QLD) - Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 12:33
Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 12:33
Adam,
That sucks big time sorry to hear about the Van..we read about this sort of thing way to often.
What security was in place to protect the van?
I have my boat down the side of the house with a chain around the wheels and a tow ball lock but I often wonder how effective that is? I guess it will deter the casual thief but if someone wants something bad enough they will show up with a oxy and cut their way through.
I had a indecent where someone got onto my boat and he tried to remove something....the dog heard the noise and started barking and lucky the guy took off with nothing, after that indecent I installed some wireless security cameras on the driveway and the side of the house, now I am just waiting for the next time.
Anyway hope you find your parents Van
AnswerID:
447203
Follow Up By: Smiffy - Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 12:56
Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 12:56
Thanks for your concern Troll 81. It was locked with a sizeable padlock and it was also chocked which didn't appear to help in the end. The van itself was only about 15 metres from my parents bedroom and they sleep with their window open. I think next time they may consider some sort of surveilence or better security to deter this issue. Although after many months with no issues they figured it would be safe.
Some people don't realise it is more than just a van to people, when they are retired and living the
Grey Nomad lifestyle it is their life. Absolute scum!
FollowupID:
719505
Reply By: Roughasguts - Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 13:44
Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 13:44
Hmmmmm Mate I seen a van very similar I noticed a white patch on the rear of the Van before passing it and thought that peculiar.
I don't remember much else about it other than being towed by a white duel cab maybe a Toyota 4.0 litre, single person inside.
I seen this van just before midnight on the 1st March at the start of the F3, I passed it going up MT White, heading up the F3 North Bound just befor the Gosford turn off it past me going quite quick some 110 K at least.
Not sure but maybe it had NT plates on the back thought that strange too as it had ne red dust on the van.
Cheers.
AnswerID:
447211
Follow Up By: Roughasguts - Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 14:30
Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 14:30
Oh yeah the toyota had no tow mirrors! and the driver was in his 40's plenty of salt and pepper hair wearing glasses, and either short or slumping down in the
seat.
The F3 is full of cameras for monitoring trucks Etc I think a van will set off those camers as
well. Just need to find someone that will help with that.
Cheers.
FollowupID:
719519
Follow Up By: Roughasguts - Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 14:58
Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 14:58
Now heres another thought contact the Wyong twin servo's on the F3 there is every chance he had to stop there for fuel and a feed! and he the Van and his rig, would be caught on camera.
He would have been there around midnight to 00:30 on the second of March.
Good luck with that coppers are at Toukley and Wyong to help with the camera viewings that is if there interested.
cheers.
FollowupID:
719524
Follow Up By: Smiffy - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 07:38
Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 07:38
Thanks so much for all the info Roughasguts. It certainly sounds like this could possibly be the van and would help the police with their investigations if we know it has gone north out of
Melbourne and even Victoria.
Would you be prepared to either speak with my Dad or the police in
Melbourne about this info so we can ensure we pass everything onto them and possibly catch these guys? I am guessing if Vic Police request the camera footage they may be able to get a car registration and then follow up with the owner of the vehicle.
I appreciate the idea of the servo cameras as
well as there is a good chance he may have stopped there.
If you are happy to speak with my Dad his name is Scott and his number is 0438 543 850 or he is happy to call you if you want to provide a number to contact you on. Just drop me a line on adam.smith@yvw.com.au with your number.
Thanks again, appreciate your vigilance and your willingness to come forward with the information.
Cheers
FollowupID:
719584
Reply By: Member - T N (Qld) - Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 23:30
Thursday, Mar 03, 2011 at 23:30
Smiffy,
Have you tried Caravanners
Forum, they have a page on stolen vans,
= more eyes looking for the low life scum!
AnswerID:
447287
Follow Up By: Smiffy - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 07:41
Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 07:41
Thanks, will give that a go as
well. Sounds like something that regular caravaners would get on and possibly park owners as
well.
Cheers
FollowupID:
719585
Reply By: Smiffy - Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 07:40
Friday, Mar 04, 2011 at 07:40
Sorry all I was misinformed about the vehicle snooping around the area, it was a white or light coloured vehicle which the builders from a neighbours house referred to as a "pick up" but could have been like a Navara, Hilux or Triton.
Cheers
AnswerID:
447301