A wave of thefts has hit campgrounds in Western Sweden, with police suspecting an organized group due to the consistent method used. Thieves have been breaking into caravans at night, targeting mainly German tourists and stealing cash and valuables. Despite increased police patrols and efforts, no arrests have been made yet.
Brazen Thieves Target German Tourists at Swedish Campgrounds
Brazen Thieves Target German Tourists at Swedish Campgrounds
A wave of thefts has swept across campgrounds in Western Sweden. Police suspect an organized group is behind the crimes due to the consistent method used.
On the night leading to Sunday, one or more individuals broke into a caravan in Trollhättan while the owners were asleep.
– But they woke up when their dog started barking and saw someone taking their bags containing credit cards, cash, and passports, says police spokesperson Jens Andersson.
This is not the first time it has happened.
– We are on high alert about this as we have had several break-ins at campgrounds over the past week, around 15 cases in the entire West police region, says Jens Andersson.
Police conducted patrols at several campgrounds in Western Sweden during the night. When the alarm was raised, a large operation was launched. Several patrols were sent to the campground in Trollhättan, where the thieves had attempted to break into three more motorhomes.
Tracking dogs were used, and several traffic checks were conducted, but no arrests were made. However, suspected stolen goods were found in the area.
Targeting Cash
It cannot be confirmed that an organized group is involved, but the method is almost identical in all cases.
– They drill a hole in the driver's door and enter that way while people are sleeping in the middle of the night. Many of the victims are also German citizens, and in many cases, the thieves get away with cash, says Andersson, continuing:
– We will see, once we find them, how organized they are and if these cases are connected. But clearly, much points to that.
Police Action: German
Most police areas in the region have been affected by the campground thefts. Most recently, on Saturday, thieves targeted two motorhomes in Halmstad.
To curb the break-ins, police have distributed information leaflets in German to several campgrounds and urge people to be vigilant.
– Be aware that this is happening. Take the measures you can to protect yourself, keep an eye out, and alert us if anything happens.