DORSET Police recovered five stolen caravans to the value of £30,000 from the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

The move comes after the force's Road Policing Unit conducted an operation in response to the huge rise nationally in number of caravans being stolen in the area. Thefts are up by 50 per cent.

Dozens alone have gone missing in the East Division of Dorset Police since the spring despite owners installing tough security measures.

The recovery of five missing vehicles from the event at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford was carried out in a joint operation with West Mercia Police.

During the operation it was revealed many of the caravans had been bought without documentation.

PC Mark Harper, Crime Reduction Officer for Eastern Division, said: "We urge the public to make sure that any purchase of any items from other than a bone fide outlet are checked thoroughly. One person parted with £10,000 without making appropriate checks and stands to lose all of this."

He said that had caravan owners not done so they should register their vehicle with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRIS) which can be contacted on (01722) 411430.

Police are also working with caravan site owners to prevent thieves striking.

PC Harper said: "Today's caravan thief is well practised in this sort of crime and caravan owners should install more than one good quality security item on their caravan. Consideration should also be given to taking the wheels off when the caravan is on site or in storage.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind caravan owners and site owners that we currently have a caravan theft problem in Dorset and that all steps should be taken to assist us to combat this problem.

"The Road Crime Intelligence Unit is taking a proactive approach to this problem and would appreciate any assistance from the public. An answer phone facility is on 01202 226052 or urgent incidents should be directed tot he force control room."