Police are warning motorhome and campervan owners in North Yorkshire to take extra precautions, after numerous reports of suspicious activity.

The force said today there had been a spate of incidents across the county involving cold callers approaching vehicle owners and asking to buy them – even though they are not for sale.

In each case, a man or two men knock on the door and ask the homeowner if they can buy the campervan or motorhome and look inside.

Most incidents have been in the Selby area but police fear it could be happening across North Yorkshire.

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Inspector Clive Turner, of North Yorkshire Police’s rural task force, said:

“Please remember, you aren’t obliged to buy anything from or sell anything to doorstep callers.

“Rogue traders often try to take advantage of householders by using high-pressure sales techniques, or may even be looking for opportunities to steal vehicles or property.

“It’s clear that a group of people are deliberately visiting homes in North Yorkshire with campervans parked outside.

“We have been able to respond to reports of suspicious activity by increasing patrols and visiting homes to gather evidence and provide advice.”

Police also released the following advice to prevent the theft of motorhomes:

• Write your vehicle identification number in several hidden places within the camper van.
• Always lock all doors and windows every time you leave your campervan.
• Do not leave personal or valuable items on display inside the vehicle. Consider forensic and security marking your personal items.
• Fix lock nuts or wheel clamps to the wheels.
• Block in the campervan behind a locked gate, or with another vehicle parked in front of it.
• Fit a tracking device and an alarm, and switch this on every time you leave your campervan
• Call police on 101 to report suspicious people and vehicles appearing to take an interest in campervans or other high-value vehicles. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.