POLICE are urging Vale caravan owners to tighten up security following four thefts in the area since last week.

They have advised owners to consider removing wheels and to install alarms in their caravans following a spate of thefts which has seen caravans stolen from houses in Sedgeberrow, Church Lench, Lenchwick, and Wickhamford.

In one of the incidents, thieves also got away with Christmas presents, which had been left in the caravan.

Police believe that organised criminals are behind the thefts, which total more than £25,000.

A fifth caravan, a Starlight Stirling valued at £5,000, was stolen from Malvern last Sunday night.

PC Dave Weaver, of Evesham police, said: "It appears that an organised criminal is stealing caravans to order from drives in the south Worcestershire area.

"I would urge people with caravans to increase their security following this spate of thefts.

"I would also urge anyone with information about people showing an interest in caravans to contact the police should they see people acting suspiciously." Anyone with details about the thefts has been urged to contact police on 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The police also have caravan security advice in a booklet Your Guide to Crime Prevention, which is available from police stations.