APRIL proved to be a black month for owners of caravans and trailers across North Yorkshire, new figures have revealed.

The number of thefts showed a big jump on the same period last year and police are urging people to be on their guard.

The problem has arisen across the whole of the county, but the police force's eastern area, which covers Hambleton, Scarborough and Ryedale, has been particularly hard hit.

Rather than specifically targeting such vehicles, it is believed that thieves are making the most of opportunities as they arise.

The kinds of vehicles stolen range from livestock trailers to smaller domestic vehicles and single car transporters.

Purpose-built, home-made and adapted trailers, both single and twin axle varieties, have all disappeared.

Between April 1 and 23, in the eastern area alone, 13 trailers and four caravans were stolen.

In the same period last year, three trailers and one caravan were stolen.

A police spokesman said: "This is a real problem at the moment right across the county and the eastern area is getting more than its fair share of it.

"These trailers can be worth anything up to £14,000 and unless precautions are taken, it is relatively easy for thieves to hitch them up to their own vehicles."

A spokesman for Ryedale Community Safety Partnership, which tackles crime and disorder issues, said: "It is vital that anyone owning a trailer-type vehicle makes a concerted effort to reduce the opportunity afforded to the people responsible for these thefts.

"Wherever possible, leave trailers close to occupied property and invest in one of the wide range of security devices available."

The spokesman added: "These vary from the heavy duty chain and padlock to panic alarms which activate when any attempt is made to move the vehicle."

For further details of how to secure your trailer or caravan, pick up a leaflet from local police stations.