Caravan chase

By Lia Bichel
AFTER a short pursuit, police last week recovered a caravan stolen from a Springvale South business.
Springvale Caravans’ owner, Darren Millott, said he was alerted by an alarm at the business about 1.30am last Friday, 12 February, and asked his brother Steve to check because he lived closer to the area.
Steve Millott said that on his way to Springvale Caravans he saw a bronze 4WD towing an Olympic Seaview caravan, unique to the Springvale South business.
“These caravans are built specifically for us,” he said.
The caravan, valued at $65,000, was in the yard behind the business, waiting to be picked up by its buyers on 24 February. The thieves had cut through a wire fence.
Steve said he followed the 4WD and called police to give them directions.
About 2am, police caught up with the caravan on Gladesville Boulevard in Patterson Lakes and pursued it until the caravan broke away from the vehicle on Wells Road, Seaford.
Police said the caravan hit a speed bump on a sweeping bend and ran off the road into wetlands.
They said they last saw the 4WD travel south along Francis Street.
“It could have been disastrous, it’s lucky nobody was on the roads and got hit,” Steve said.
He said a caravan was stolen from Springvale Caravans about four years ago, prompting the owners to upgrade security.
“Someone is obviously making a lot of money stealing these caravans,” he said. “Hopefully we can catch them.”
Mr Millott said damage estimated at thousands of dollars was done to the caravan and a new one would have to be made for the buyers.
He said he believed there would also be damage to the 4WD, possibly a Pajero, Prado or Lexus.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au