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Enjoy secure, worry-free caravanning. |
It may never happen to you, but many caravan owners have had
the misfortune to be affected by caravan crime at one time or
another. The theft of caravans is a growing problem with around
£30 million worth still to be found and recovered.
Reassuringly, there are several common-sense measures that you
can take to avoid becoming another of these statistics. A lot
of caravan crime is the result of criminals seeing opportunities
and taking them. By following the advice below you can greatly
reduce these opportunities and so help ensure you enjoy secure,
worry-free caravanning.
The good news is that most caravan crime is preventable. By
following these tips you will not be giving a potential criminal
an easy ride.
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Or contact our UK based call centres FREE on
0800 096 4087
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(Calls from mobile phones may incur charges.)
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Don't leave anything valuable on display in your caravan. Even
an old coat on a seat is a temptation for someone to 'smash
and grab' - they steal first and think about value later.
Take all your valuables with you when you leave the caravan.
If this is impossible, lock them in a cupboard out of sight,
as thieves will look for and take advantage of every opportunity.
To be really sure, think about having a specialist caravan safe
fitted.
Never leave any of the following on display in your caravan.
These are all particularly attractive to thieves.
- Mobile phones
- Laptop computers
- Credit and debit cards
- Cheque books
- Cash
- Private mail, especially with your address on it
Also, never leave registration documents or purchase receipts
in your caravan. They could help a thief to sell it on.
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Immobilise your caravan, even when you stop only briefly. Make
sure your caravan can't be towed away by following these simple
tips.
- Lock the coupling head into a cover using a good-quality
hitchlock. Hitchlocks give a reasonable degree of protection
from the opportunist thief.
- Use locking-wheel nuts and a good-quality clamp on the
caravan wheels.
- Think about securing each corner steady by using a good-quality
padlock and make sure it has a short shackle to prevent
thieves from cutting through it.
- If you use a chain, make sure it's a strong heavy-duty
one. Chain your caravan to a robust anchor point.
- You may also want to have a tracking device fitted, allowing
the Police or system operator to track the caravan if it
is stolen.
Make your caravan secure. You can take the following simple
steps to stop thieves breaking into your caravan.
- Have a reliable alarm fitted and remember to turn it on
whenever you leave your caravan, even if it is only for
a short time.
- Fit a special caravan deadlock to the door and always
remember to use it. That way thieves cannot gain entry by
smashing a window and turning the door handle.
- Always close doors, windows and any roof light when you
leave your caravan - even if it's only for a short time.
- Install a time switch. If you are out after dark, the
lights will still go on and off in your caravan making it
look occupied. This should help to deter opportunistic thieves.
- Always lock your caravan and take your keys with you.
At home, always keep your caravan keys in a safe place which
is out of sight and away from windows and doors.
- Make your caravan less desirable. Professionally installed
security marking can deter thieves when accompanied by a
visible warning that the caravan is 'registered and identifiable'.
You can get more information about caravan security devices
by phoning the Sold Secure Helpline on 01327 264687.
Sold Secure tests and provides professional and accurate advice
regarding effective security products. Manufacturers and suppliers
can apply to have their products approved by Sold Secure and
products that have been satisfactorily assessed may bear the
Sold Secure Quality Mark.
[FOR INFORMATION: The Sold Secure Helpline is open from 8.30am
to 5pm, Mon-Fri. Alternatively, enquirers can email admin@soldsecure.com.]
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Security marking not only deters thieves but can help the Police
to identify and return stolen caravans or their contents to
their rightful owners.
Since 1992 all National Caravan Council (NCC) recognised manufacturers
have stamped the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN)
onto the vehicle chassis and etched it into the windows. If
your vehicle is not marked in this way, have your chassis number
etched onto all your windows. Consider marking your chassis
number or postcode inside cupboards and in other places inside
your caravan with a permanent marker pen and keep a note of
these places.
Consider marking all your valuables, especially those that you
often take in your caravan. Mark items with your postcode or
some other unique identifying number linked to a recognised
database (which keeps to the Loss Prevention Council (LPC) standards
1224 and 1225), and keep a note of any serial numbers in a safe
place. This should help the Police to return your belongings
to you if they are stolen and recovered. It also helps to convict
criminals.
The crime prevention officer at your local Police station should
be able to provide more information about marking schemes.
Keep a note of these identifying numbers and the places where
they have been marked in your caravan, along with photographs
of your caravan and its interior fittings. This information
will help the Police identify your caravan if it is stolen.
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Always ask about built-in security when you buy a new caravan.
Your dealer and manufacturer will be pleased to discuss additional
security options with you.
Since 1992, information on all touring caravans manufactured
by NCC members has been registered with the Caravan Registration
and Identification Scheme (CRiS) - a national register for touring
caravans in the UK. CRiS was set up by the NCC to give touring
caravan keepers their own registration system, similar to the
DVLA system for cars. It provides a logbook system with an exclusive
history and checking service for touring caravan keepers and
dealers and is the only UK database for checking the history
of a caravan.
All caravans produced since 1992 by NCC members are recorded
at CRiS by their unique vehicle identification number (VIN).
This VIN and the caravan description are recorded on the Touring
Caravan Registration Document, which is sent by CRiS to the
caravan's registered keeper.
All caravans manufactured since August 1997 are electronically
tagged for added security.
Ask your dealer whether the caravan comes with any extra security
features such as an alarm or tracking device, caravan safe,
hitchlock or wheel clamps.
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Never buy caravans in pub car parks or motorway service stations.
If you are meeting the seller at a house, always check that
it is their home as thieves have been known to use the driveway
of an empty house to sell stolen caravans.
Also, always check the following when buying a second-hand caravan
privately.
- Check that the caravan chassis number has not been removed
or altered. If you have any doubts, contact your local crime
prevention officer.
- Before buying privately, consider checking the caravan's
history on CRiS (you can find the details in the 'Contacts'
section). There is a charge for this service, but a quick
phone call to check the status of the caravan you are thinking
of buying could save you a lot of problems later on, so
it is a worthwhile investment.
- Is the seller insisting on meeting you away from home,
possibly to avoid being identified or traced? If so, why?
- Can the seller provide proof of identity and address?
- Check that all the caravan keys are available and correct
- Check that the number plate is the same on the caravan
and the tow car. Be wary if temporary or handwritten number
plates are being used.
- Ask about any security devices that may have been fitted
to the caravan by the seller.
- Ask the seller whether the caravan is registered with
CRiS. If it is, ask the seller to fill in the Notification
of Sale section on the back of the Touring Caravan Registration
Document and send it to CRiS. The seller should then give
you the rest of the Touring Caravan Registration Document
and you must fill in the Notification of Changes section
and send it to CRiS with the appropriate registration fee.
- If the caravan you have bought is not already registered
with CRiS, you may want to give serious thought to registering
your caravan and having it electronically tagged, as this
will help the Police to identify and return your caravan
if it is stolen.
You may also want to check with both major caravanning clubs
to reassure yourself that the caravan has not been previously
stolen if you have any doubts about the seller.
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A lot of stolen items are sold on to the public. If you are
offered a 'bargain', you could, without realising, be buying
something that has been stolen. Stick to reputable shops and
dealers.
If you have any information about criminal activity, particularly
concerning stolen caravans or items stolen from caravans and
then sold to the public, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111. You do not have to give your name.
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Don't forget the possibility of fraud. Thieves have used stolen
cheques to buy caravans from unsuspecting owners. Never part
with your caravan until the cheque has cleared your account.
Remember to tell CRiS about the change of ownership by filling
in the Notification of Sale section on the back of the Touring
Caravan Registration Document.
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Always try to use a Police-approved secured caravan park whenever
possible. These have gained a Police 'Secured by Design' award
for security features which lessen the opportunity for crime
to take place and offer a safer and more secure environment
for you and your caravan. The crime prevention officer at your
local Police station will be able to give you information about
any secured caravan parks in your area.
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Keep an eye on each others caravans and get to know who belongs
on the site. Don't be afraid to report anything suspicious to
the site manager or the Police.
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Remember, your caravan is even more vulnerable when it is not
being used. Caravans left on sites, storage compounds and even
on your driveway are particular targets for thieves.
But wherever it is, immobilise your caravan using quality wheel
clamps or a security post fitted near the front of the 'A' frame
and the main body (or both).
Remove all your personal belongings and contents when you are
not using your caravan. Leave cupboard doors and curtains open
- thieves can be put off by a caravan that is obviously empty.
Store your caravan securely. If you are choosing a storage site,
don't just look at the price. Check to see that it offers good
security measures. Remember, if you can enter the storage area
and remove your caravan without being approached, then so can
a thief.
If you're leaving your caravan at home, ask a neighbour to keep
an eye on your caravan as well as your house. And consider fixing
good-quality security posts on your drive to prevent your caravan
being stolen while you are not there.
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Crime Prevention Officers - you can contact a crime prevention
officer at your local Police station for crime prevention advice
and information on secured caravan parks.
The National Caravan Council - for information about
the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS).
Catherine House, Victoria Road
Aldershot, Hants GU11 1SS
Phone: 01252 318251
Fax: 01252 322596
Website: www.nationalcaravan.co.uk
Email: info@nationalcaravan.co.uk
Caravan Registration And Identification Scheme (CRiS)
- for a check on the status of a second-hand caravan or information
about registering or tagging your caravan.
HPI Ltd, Dolphin house, PO Box 61,
New Street, Salisbury,
Wiltshire SP1 2TB
Phone: 01722 411430
Website: www.crischeck.com
Sold Secure - for a list of recognised security products.
Phone: 01327 264687
Website: www.soldsecure.com
Email: admin@soldsecure.com
Crimestoppers
Vehicle crime is the biggest single criminal activity in the
UK. If you have any information on caravan crime, please call
the freephone number (you do not have to give your name).
Crimestoppers Trust
Apollo House, 66A London Road
Morden, Surrey SM4 5BE
Phone: 0800 555111
Website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
You can find useful crime prevention advice, on the crime reduction
website at
www.crimereduction.gov.uk
You can also find other useful advice on vehicle security at
www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk
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| CRiS |
Caravan Registration and Identification
Scheme.
A national register for touring caravans |
| LPC |
Loss Prevention Council. |
| NCC |
National Caravan Council. |
| VIN |
Vehicle Identification Number.
The unique number by which a caravan is listed on the
CRiS database |
| Sold Secure |
A non-profit making company dedicated to
reducing the risk of theft by the assessment of security
products. Established 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police
with the help and backing of the Home Office, it is now
administered by the Master Locksmiths' Association. |
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Crown copyright text from the Home Office booklet 'Steer Clear
of Caravan Crime' is reproduced with the permission of the Home
Office and the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
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Saga Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Saga Caravan Insurance is underwritten by Saga Insurance Company Limited.
Saga Services Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saga Group Limited. Registered in England and Wales (Company No: 732602) Registered Office: The Saga Building, Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. |
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