The cost of caravan theft in Lancashire alone cost over £1 million last year, according to figures from the police.

Some vehicles stolen were worth in excess of £25,000, with 100 vehicles being pinched in total in the first eight months of 2007, reports This Is Lancashire.

Lancashire police said gangs may be working to target high value caravans and have launched a campaign to raise awareness.

It comes as Doncaster police also warned of thefts of caravans as the summer season heats up, said the news site.

The authority said owners should ensure they have the 17 digit vehicle identification number etched on the windows and vehicle chassis of the caravan.

Lancashire police said they have recently charged two people in the area with eight caravan thefts last year and the watch operation has led to just 20 vehicles being reported as stolen so far this year.

The force said most thefts occur between the hours of 04:00 BST and 08:00 BST, so early risers should be vigilant.

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