They may just be the most brazen thieves of the year.

Caught on camera, a couple on a caravan-stealing rampage simply back into a driveway, hitch up, and take off in broad daylight - leaving their victims heartbroken, and the authorities without a clue.

Last Friday afternoon the couple calmly backed into the Ryan family’s driveway in Sydney's West Broke, and left with Lawrie and Dianne's most prized possession.

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Neighbours Paul and Penny usually keep an eye on their neighbour's home, but they were at the doctor’s when this happy camper couple rolled up.

Dianne gave the vision to the police, but they've drawn a blank so far. Then last night, as soon as the promotion for this story was run, another victim, Phill Browne, called in disbelief.

Incredibly, Browne’s neighbour spotted the thieves and gave chase, until they dumped the caravan and sped away. Police say the license plate on the ute was a fake.

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Police also confirmed the same pair stole a caravan before Christmas, and they're suspected of yesterday grabbing of a boat.

The Ryans’ have had things stolen in the past, but this is the cruellest crime of all.

Australia's largest caravan insurer CIL says theft is on the rise.

"Theft of caravans and RVs and Winnebagos is on the increase. Anecdotally we've got some evidence to suggest that it is on the increase," CIL’s Belinda Humphries said.

Humphries says most claims are for break ins, and very few match this modus operandi.

"If it is at home, it looks like it's not lived in. So keep an eye out for that, and also park your campervan or your Winnebago in a fenced off or an enclosed space, such as a storage facility, when it's at home," Humphries advised.

Browne now has a wheel clamped on his caravan.

The Ryans are hoping they'll get back their eighteen foot dream home away from home, and keep it locked behind a steel gate.

If you recognise the couple in our story please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or send us a message here.

Contact details

• Crime Stoppers - www.crimestoppers.com.au
• CIL Caravan and RV Insurance - www.cilinsurance.com.au