A SPATE of caravan thefts has hit the Marlow area in the past month and police are advising owners to be on their guard.

Nine caravans have been stolen, four from drives and five from storage areas. Inspector Andy Kitchen, of Marlow Police Station, said: "Some people will initially think it is travellers but that is not always the case. There is a second-hand trade in caravans as with cars."

Leaflets advising how to protect your caravan are available at Marlow Police Station in Dean Street.