Police are investigating the bizarre background to a mid-morning theft of a caravan that was wrecked when it smashed into a tree on the outskirts of Lancefield.
The alleged offender was last seen driving an early model utility with a yellow stripe towards Woodend.
This brazen theft, which took place around 10.30am last Monday, has seemingly jolted some of the community.
While some suspicious nighttime behaviour has occurred from time to time in the past in Lancefield and Romsey and surrounds, this incident may prompt residents to become more aware of their surroundings 24 hours a day.
The Express understands the caravan, valued at about $20,000, was taken from a Louise Lane property around 10.30am, about two hours after a utility was seen moving up and down the short street.
A street resident became suspicious when he saw the caravan being hitched up on a nearby residential property, and made a phone call to check on what was happening.
The caravan was towed northwards down to the Chauncey Street intersection, where it turned left and proceeded past Lancefield Park.
On the western edge of Lancefield, the caravan became unhitched, and smashed into a large gum tree on the southern side of the road.
People were observed at the smash site, and a utility was seen going along Rochford Road.
Romsey police were given details of the episode, and any further information that may lead to the apprehension of the offender(s) would be welcomed.
