Weekly Wrap

CARAVAN CRIME SPREE

Thieves in the central coast region of NSW have been targeting Jayco caravans over the summer period.

So far five caravans have been stolen, with four in December and one in early January. According to police most of the thefts have occurred at night, from private properties in Blackwall, Lisarow, Booker Bay and Wamberal.

"All the caravans have been taken from out the front of homes and the locks and padlocks have been cut," Brisbane Water crime co-ordinator Detective Senior Sergeant Vivienne Crawford told a local newspaper.

"For the past few years we have only ever had about one caravan stolen each year and now a sudden rise," Detective Senior Sergeant Crawford said.

Those with any information about the crimes should contact the Gosford police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

ADRIA ON THE MOVE

The Australian importer of European-built, Adria caravans and motorhomes, has reported a "modest increase" in sales over the past 12 months.

According to R.V. Asia Pacific General Manager, Chris Swann, sales in 2011 were up 12 per cent, compared to the previous year. Swann attributed the sales increase to a shift away from heavy-duty four-wheel drives to lighter tow vehicles, and subsequent need for lighter caravans like those offered by Adria.

Since launching on the Australian market in 2006, more than 800 Adria vans have been sold.

Swann is predicting further demand for Adria caravans in 2012, helped by the opening of a new dedicated Adria dealership on the Gold Coast in late-2011.

"We expect a further increase in demand for Adria caravans and look forward to increased sales as a direct result," he said.

The boost in Adria sales is in line with the overall RV market in Australia, which should record another strong result for 2011.

The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA), reported 20,518 RVs produced in Australia in 2011 up until the end of November. Total RV production in 2010 was 22,932, according to RVMAA figures.

GET A DEAL ON DENTED VANS

The Christmas Day thunderstorms that caused havoc throughout Victoria could have a silver lining for RV bargain hunters.

Not unlike some car dealers forced to offer deals on hail-damaged new cars, an Epping, Victoria-based seller of New Age caravans is offering a number of otherwise new, hail-dented models at reduced prices.

According to Little Joey’s Caravan Centre, the dealer is "offering huge savings on hail-damaged caravans".

"Like many in Victoria on Christmas day our caravans outside were hit by hail," it says on its website. "All hail stock must go.  We had 20 (and) now only have eight left."

The bargains range from 13ft Little Joey and 15ft Barra vans, right up to a 21ft Big Red Bunk family model and luxurious 20ft Oz Classic Ensuite van.

The dealership is also offering deals on 2011-plated models (not hail damaged), with "all offers considered". What are you waiting for?

CAMPING WITH THE CHOOKS

And now for something completely different...

According to JWT, a New York marketing firm specialising in travel trends, one of the predictions for 2012 is the growth of garden camping around the world.

British campers have already had a taste of this novel approach with Camp in My Garden which offers visitors the chance to pitch a tent overnight in orchards and backyard gardens from Devon to Cornwall.

Launched in April last year, it’s been dubbed the "world’s first garden camping community", offering gardens with a range of facilities from "bamping" (basic camping) to "glamping" (glamorous camping).

Prices start at around $7.50 a night, and some of the owners will even do your laundry or throw in the evening meal for a little extra.

But don’t expect BIG4 holiday park standards. One listing notes that "you’ll be sharing the garden with our chickens, but don’t worry, they are not fully free-range".

It's a scheme that could do well in Australia, with rising demand for good camping spots in prime locations. As a spokesman for the UK-based World Travel Market explained, "garden camping is a fascinating trend and one that the traditional travel and tourism industry should keep a close eye on as it has the potential to really take off for major sporting events and all holidays".