A PERSHORE couple endured a nightmare trip to the continent last week after twice being targeted by thieves who may have gassed them in their sleep.

Steve Cook and Emma Deacon were travelling to Castellon on the eastern coast of Spain, where Steve was competing in the latest round of the powerboat competition, the Formula 2000 World Championships, when the troubles began.

After arriving in France on Tuesday morning last week, the duo travelled through France stopping for the night near Montpellier. During the night their motor home was broken into and the thieves got away with Emma's Rolex watch, two mobile phones and a wallet.

They woke in the morning to find the items missing and although it was a shock they decided to carry on. Emma said: "We just thought it was one of those things and we had been a bit unlucky so we decided to carry on going so that we could arrive at the race meeting well prepared and in good time."

But worse was still to come when the trip continued and after another days hard driving, Emma and Steve stopped near Barcelona. It was then that the motor home was targeted for a second time by thieves who may have used the gas ether, to render the occupants unconscious and steal hundreds of pounds worth of goods.

They took credit cards belonging to a member of the team who they had picked up en route, a digital camera, two video cameras, fuel pumps and spark plugs used on the powerboat as well as a large amount of money.

Emma added: "It seemed unbelievable that we had been targeted twice in the same trip. It is so scary to think that these people were in the motor home taking our things when we were sleeping.

"I have been told that sometimes the thieves here use ether to knock out the owners of caravans by feeding it in through a vent or window. When you come round you are left with a headache and all of your belongings are gone. You just wonder if they could have done that to us.

"I just would like to warn other caravan or motor home users travelling through Europe that this sort of thing is happening and they should be on their guard about it."

When the team arrived they had to borrow some engine parts from other teams which obviously effected the standard of Steve's performance. He still qualified second in a timed trial and is now keeping positive about his next race in China on October 4.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Press officer Pasquale Romano said: "We are aware of a number of incidents where criminals in Europe are using gas to render occupants of vehicles unconscious and taking their belongings. "

"Our advice would be to avoid isolated areas of camping grounds and consider installing an alarm system. Criminals there do tend to target people with foreign number plates and tourists should be wary of anyone offering help if you stop to check on the condition of your vehicle."

Fiona Bewers, of the Caravan Club, said: ""Never leave valuables on view and always be aware of thieves even though you should be relaxing on your trip."