Geez, two serious threads in one week......
As published in the Gympie Times.
CAMPSITES at Inskip were raided by thieves on Monday night, abruptly ending the holidays for one family.
The Jeremy family of Caloundra woke early Tuesday to find their humble campsite had been raided of camping gear, including an Evercool Fridgemate fridge/freezer full of food.
Police are investigating this and another two similar complaints made by Inskip campers.
Anne Jeremy said her family had been camping at Inskip on and off for years as it was an affordable holiday for her large family.
The "battlers" set up camp up at The Oaks on Inskip Peninsula.
"We were in a modest tent, not an expensive caravan, so to be targeted is a very low act," Mrs Jeremy said.
"We also have old cars. The people that took our stuff should have seen we don't have much."
She said they saved hard over years for what little camping gear they had. Besides the loss of property, the family's members feel violated by the theft.
Thieves roamed their campsite and stole numerous items: the fridge/freezer worth about $1200; two fishing rods; two camping chairs; a pile of good-quality beach towels; and the children's swimwear, most of which were gifts for Christmas.
"It's such a beautiful location, but our happiness soon soured," Mrs Jeremy said.
"The theft has completely devastated us, forcing us to quit our holiday earlier than expected. We feel so violated... Being able to occasionally get away from it all was our only real life pleasure."
The Jeremys were happy to tell their story to warn other campers how easy it was to become victims of theft.
Rainbow Beach Police Senior Constable Al Gerrard advised campers to always secure their belongings at night and when not at the campsite.
He said generators and other large items such as eskies were a big target and owners needed to chain them up or move them into an enclosure.
"Fold fishing rods and chairs up and take them inside," he added.
"Campers should not stop being vigilant about personal security."
