We have put together a list of safety / anti-theft advice
for your caravan:
The Environment
If possible park the caravan inside a building away from prying
eyes of the caravan thieves. Then alarm the building.
If you are choosing a storage site don't just look at the price,
check to see if it offers good security.
If the caravan is parked on the drive, it can be covered with
a light
movement sensor that gives an audible chime inside the house
when someone is around the caravan. It works during the daytime
even though the light does not illuminate.
Fit metal security posts cemented into the ground in
front of the caravan.Fit substantial Gates or a security post
to your driveway.
PRODUCT
DETAILS
Bulldog
SA7 Fixed Security Post. Highly visual and effective. Can
be used inconjunction with one of Bulldog's Minilocks to secure
trailer or caravan at home or in storage.
Technological Security Devices Dependant
on the cost of the caravan a 'Tracker' type device or other
competitive GPS tracking system should be installed to locate
the exact position of the stolen caravan
Bulldog
RAC Trackstar Plus Tracking System
Automatically alerts control centre if caravan is stolen
-Continuously tracks the stolen caravan
-Control centre is manned 24hrs a day,365 days a year
-Upon recovery, your caravan returned to your home by RAC,
free of charge
-Sold secure and Thatcham Q approved
-Insurance approved
-Police endorsed
-Easily installed by fully trained engineers
-Full European cover available
Fit an alarm system to the caravan that uses the 12-volt
battery to alarm entry into the caravan, and can also be fitted
with a tilt or vibration sensor to detect it being towed away.Alternatively
there are stand alone alarm system that will alert the owner
via a mobile telephone that the alarm has been activated.
PRODUCT
DETAILS
The
Bulldog BL50 Interference Alarm is easy to fit no wiring involved.
Its easy to use simple key operation. Armoured case designed
to resist even a hammer attack. Fitting this alarm may qualify
you for a reduction in your caravan insurance premium
Security Marking Security mark the
caravan, since 1992 the National Caravan Council (NCC) recognised
manufacturers have stamped the vehicle identification number
(VIN) on the vehicle chassis. This 17-digit number has also
been etched into the windows. Check your caravan and if it
is not marked in this way, get it done.Companies can provide
specialist identifiable marking products for
individual caravans which enables police to trace owners.Roof
identification of large letters or numbers can assist air
support to track the caravan.Mark valuables and interior fitments
inside your caravan with your postcode using a special etching
tool or engraver. If you use a security marker pen, the writing
will only show up under ultra violet light and may fade with
time. Keep a note of these numbers at home, along with a photo
of your caravan. This will help the police identify and return
a stolen caravan or goods.
Physical Security Devices Wheel clamps
can be used as deterrent, but ensure that the clamp wraps
around the wheel sufficiently not to allow the tyre to be
deflated, the clamp taken off and the tyre re-inflated. Use
lock-nuts on the caravan wheels
Jack up the caravan and place onto axle stands or similar.
Take the wheel off and put 3 locking wheel nuts back onto
the wheel studs. This will prevent thieves placing a wheel
back onto the axle and towing it away, unless they take off
the wheel hub itself and replace it with a similar one.
Secure each corner leg with a padlock. Make sure it has a
short shackle to prevent thieves from cutting through it.
If you use a chain, make sure it is a strong one. Thieves
can easily get hold of the right tools to cut through a weaker
chain.
Lock
the coupling head into a cover with a hitchlock.
Hitchlocks
categories
Adjustable
version of the heavy duty range of Titan Wheel Clamps.
Wheel Clamp categories
Gas cylinders make an inviting target to a thief. Padlock
them to fixing clamps on older caravans so they can't be removed
and keep gas compartments locked on newer models.
Fit a special caravan deadlock to the door, and make sure you
use it, then thieves cannot just smash a window and turn a door
handle.
All security devices should conform to ‘Sold Secure’
Standards, which means they have been extensively tested to
reduce the risk of loss due to crime.
General Advice
Remove all valuables from the caravan.
Do not leave vehicle registration documents in the caravan.
They can help a thief to sell the caravan on.
Always close and lock doors and windows when you leave your
caravan - even if it is just for a short time. Thieves do
not need long to go through a caravan, and their job is made
simpler if they can get in easily.
Always close and lock doors and windows when you leave your
caravan - even if it is just for a short time. Thieves do
not need long to go through a caravan, and their job is made
simpler if they can get in easily.
Fit a time switch if you're out after dark, lights on in
your caravan will make it look occupied and can deter opportunist
thieves.
If you are a member of the Caravan Club, your touring caravan
will be automatically logged on the club's security register.
This enables the club to liaise with the police and dealers
rapidly should a theft occur. It also helps authentic ownership
if your caravan is stolen then recovered. The club keeps a register
of all caravans reported stolen, even those of non-members.
This register is widely used by police throughout the UK. You
can write to the Caravan Club at East Grinstead House, East
Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. Tel. (01342) 326944.
Neighbours
Get to know your neighbours on the site when you are on holiday
and think about joining a vehicle watch scheme at home. Keep
an eye on each other's caravans, and get to know who belongs
on the site. Do not be afraid to report anything suspicious
to either the site manager or the police.
Purchasing a Caravan
New
If you are buying a new caravan, ask about built-in security
features. All caravans manufactured since August 1997 should
be electronically tagged for added security.
Used
If you are buying a second-hand caravan, try to verify the
seller's identity and make sure the number plate on the caravan
matches the one on the tow car. Also ask if it is registered
with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CriS)
- if it is, you can check its history through this scheme.
If it isn't, call 01722 411 430 and get it registered.
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