Jayco Swan camper theft: Mordialloc, Black Rock, Hampton, Parkdale hit

Brazen thieves are stealing camper trailers from Melbourne driveways and suburban streets and there’s one particular make and model they want.

A Mordialloc family is devastated by the theft of their Jayco Outback Swan camper trailer seen here on a trip to the Kimberley, WA. Picture supplied.

Devastated bayside families have had their summer holiday plans up-ended after their camper trailers were stolen.

The trailers were all Jayco Outback Swans and victims fear crooks are stealing to order as wait lists for new trailers blow out to six months.

The Swans were taken from Mordialloc, Hampton, Black Rock and Parkdale in the past three weeks.

The first – a 2015 Jayco Outback Swan – registration W84 041 – was pinched about 1.30am on New Year’s Day from outside Kate Hopkins’ Mordialloc house.

CCTV image of a Toyota LandCruiser towing away a stolen Jayco Outback Swan camper trailer on January 1.

CCTV footage from the street shows the trailer being attached to a silver or champagne early model Toyota LandCruiser by a man described as caucasian with possible leg tattoos wearing a grey/tan hoodie and tan workboots.

“The trailer is normally at a secure storage space at Braeside but we were leaving on a trip in a couple of days and had it parked out the front so we could clean and pack it,” Ms Hopkins said.

“We had a tow bar lock and our 4WD was parked in close making it difficult to access to trailer. We thought it was safe.”

She said the trailer was too long to fit into the garage.

The family of four was devastated by the theft.

“It was so brazen. We’re insured but will still be up to $7000 out of pocket,” Ms Hopkins said.

The trailer was about six years old and cost about $34,000.

“They really hold their value and I’ve seen similar advertised for $30-$32,000. Demand has really been pushed up post COVID,” Ms Hopkins said.

She has since heard of another three similar cases involving Jayco Swans.

“I have been in touch with other victims in Black Rock, Hampton and Parkdale.”

Katrina Walsh posted on social media that her 2011 Jayco Swan, registration U34 7757, was stolen from outside her Hampton home overnight on January 19.

“Such a shame – we love our little camper – we have had so many great family holidays,” she posted.

Ms Hopkins urged all camper trailer owners to be vigilant with security and consider installing a tracking device.

“It really looks like these trailers are being targeted. They are popular with families and there’s a long wait list for a new one,” she said.

Page Bros RV marketing manager Vanessa Ker said the Jayco Swan Outback was the most popular camper trailer model at the Seaford business.

“There used to be a three month wait for one, but since COVID it’s been six months,” Ms Ker said.

“Demand for all second hand vans and camper trailers, including the Swan, is also through the roof.”

She said many customers were either upsizing existing vans or fast tracking plans to buy one.

The thefts have been reported to police.

Police have been contacted for comment.