Northern Territory Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News. A Darwin family’s “faith in humanity” has been restored after their $50k caravan stolen in the dead of night was found, with their dream holiday plans now back on track.
On September 16 this year, Spencer and Michelle Smith woke to the devastating news that their $50,000 caravan had been stolen from a Winnellie compound. With three daughters, Mr Smith said his family – who had hopes to take a long holiday in the caravan – had been crushed by the heartless act. “We’ve been talking about doing a trip around the country for a good five years now,” Mr Smith said after the theft.
“It’s been a dream of ours for awhile – my wife’s inconsolable about it and I’m just trying to work out a solution.” But last week, Mr Smith got a phone call from police to say their caravan had been found. “Strike Force Trident called us and said ‘We’ve got your caravan’,” he told this masthead.
“I just felt like bloody crying, I didn’t actually realise the emotional impact it would have on me. “It’s hard to explain because we’ve got our big plan to travel and the thought of just never seeing the caravan again wasn’t all that attractive.” NT Police found the distinct looking caravan in a search.
Picture: NTPFES Despite the stress of the ordeal, Mr Smith said the outpour of community support had left the greatest impression on him. “The community spirit we observed was nothing short of amazing, it’s certainly restored my faith in humanity and in this community,” he said. “Darwin’s been on the decline a bit with crime, but to see the response we got was incredible.
” With the caravan’s theft making the front page and online awareness spread far and wide, Mr Smith said the community’s push to recover the vehicle was what “got the chocolates”. “The three key things here was the support from the NT News, the support from Strike Force Trident and the support from the Darwin community,” he said. “Everybody got the message out really quickly which would have obviously made it very difficult for (the offenders) to hide.
” Now, the Smith family can turn their attention back to their end-of-year trip. “We’ve got a little bit less than two months, so we’ve got to act pretty quickly,” he said. “But to have the trip is still the plan, and we will do everything we possibly can to make that happen.
” NT Police said two alleged offenders were arrested in relation to the police search, with one man charged with theft, six counts of receiving stolen property and one count of possessing a schedule one dangerous drug. One was remanded to face court on Monday. The second man was charged with seven counts of receiving stolen property and will face court on Tuesday.
More Coverage ‘Inconsolable’: Family’s dream holiday shattered after caravan theft Harry Brill Revealed: Huge haul of stolen items recovered by police Nathaniel Chambers Originally published as NT Police: Darwin’s Smith family have stolen caravan found, dream holiday back on Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories News Why the ‘most beautiful ship in the world’ is coming to Darwin One of the world’s oldest active military vessels is coming to the Top End, with Territorians offered the chance to climb aboard the prestigious ship. See for details.
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