After months of planning, pensioners Arthur and Sheila Chapman boarded their caravan and set off on a three-week tour of Scotland to celebrate their golden wedding.

But just hours after they got home to Guntons Road, Newborough, near Peterborough, their high spirits turned to despair.

A neighbour knocked on their door to tell them that their beloved £15,000 caravan had vanished from the drive.

Thieves had towed away the tourer, full of their possessions, without making a sound.

They had struck in the same street earlier in the day, but their neighbour's caravan had been recovered by the side of a road.

The devastated Chapmans, both 69, fear they won't be so lucky and to make matters worse, their insurance had just lapsed.

Each of them thought the other had renewed it when they changed their caravan three months ago.

Speaking today, former civil engineer Mr Chapman choked back tears as he spoke to warn others to be on their guard.

He said: "We had just come back from a tour of Scotland that we had planned for our golden wedding.

"We had been looking forward to it and had a wonderful time.

"We started off with a banger but enjoyed caravanning so much, that three months ago, we got this one which cost £15,000. "Our life savings went into it.

"We arrived home in the afternoon and the next thing we knew, our neighbour told us that our caravan had just disappeared off our drive.

"They had crowbarred the hitch lock off.

"I'm shattered. I made a list of all the items that have gone with the caravan and it's endless. It's the little things that bring it home. We have three dogs and I was looking for a dog brush, but that was inside the caravan.

"There was also a necklace that was given to my wife by her grandmother, a microwave, hoover and a collection of DVDs.

"When you go away for almost a month, there are so many things you need."

The great-grandfather said he hopes by speaking out, he could raise awareness of caravan crime.

He said: "These people have no scruples.

"I know we are not going to get it back, but if I can help other people, then it will be worth it.

"The only thing is to put it in a compound, which we were going to did. But even that is not foolproof."

A police spokesperson said: "Clearly these are distressing circumstances for the people involved, especially after just returning from a happy holiday.

"To make matters worse for them the caravan contained sentimental items.

"Officers are doing all they can to trace the caravan and the offenders who took it. It is vitally important that if anyone knows anything about this theft they contact police."

The incident happened on Monday, at 10.30pm. The caravan was a Bailey Senator Arizona.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thorpe Wood police station on 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.