Caravanning
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Caravanning |
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Security Information Buying New
When buying new always ask about built in security features and maybe get them to include a hitch lock or wheel clamp, after all it's not much more on the cost of a new Caravan. Since 1992 all new caravans that are made by companies that are members of the NCC (National Caravan Council) will have been registered with CRiS (Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme), this is log book system like that for your car, and records a vehicle identification number (VIN), every window is marked by the VIN number that is unique to your caravan. This means that any caravan can be checked against the database to ensure that it is not stolen (see buying secondhand) All Caravans made after 1997 are also electronically tagged.
Buying Secondhand
Never buy a caravan in a pub car park service station, when buying from outside a house or on a drive way ensure that the property is in fact their home as thieves sometimes use empty properties to sell on stolen caravans.
Check
the caravans history on CRiS, (Caravan Registration and
Identification Scheme), the
small charge for this service is well worth
the money, one phone call will tell you is
there is any cause for concern When you have bought a caravan get the seller to fill in their bit of the CRiS document and ensure that you fill in the remaining section and send the document off to get the caravan registered in your name. When you get the document back, with your name now as the registered keeper DO NOT keep it in the caravan, instead keep it at home in a safe place with all the other caravan documents, insurance etc. this will mean that in the unfortunate event that your caravan is stolen the thieves will find it more difficult to sell it on without the registration documents and you have the details to give to the police.
Selling
When selling your caravan, if taking a cheque, don't hand it over until the cheque has been cleared into your account, it could be stolen. Make sure you fill in your bit of the CRiS registration form and hand the other section over to the buyer.
Storage
When looking for a Storage site look to see what security features they offer, CCTV, alarms, guard dogs, locked gates etc not all site will have all or any of the features, but what they do have will probably be reflected in the price, therefore don't necessarily go for the cheapest. Many Caravan storage sites will be registered with the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (Cassoa) they award Bronze Silver or Gold for each site depending on the level of security offered.
When your caravan is in storage or on site, as well as ensuring the door, windows and rooflights are closed and locked, immobilise it. Use wheel clamps, a hitchlock or lock it to a security post, use locking wheel nuts to prevent the wheels from being stolen, also steady locks are a good idea too these will prevent a thief from lifting the legs on your caravan thus making it harder to steal. Just because you have an awning up when on site doesn't mean you don't need security devices, as this wont stop a determined thief, a sharp knife will easily part the awning from the caravan. Don't leave anything on show when on site, laptops, phones handbags etc. lock them away or take them with you.
Consider having an alarm fitted, if not already installed, and always set it. Remove personal belongings and leave curtains open so people can see that there is nothing worth stealing.
Another thing to remember is that if you keep you caravan at home when you go away it is very obvious that the house is more than likely going to be empty, therefore good locks and an alarm etc are essential to protect your house as well.
Find a list of Caravan Storage sites. Here
If you need any further help on protecting your property from thieves contact your local police station Crimestoppers: report any information you have on caravan crime to Crimestoppers, anonymously if you prefer by calling the free freephone number: 0800 555111. Visit the Crimestoppers website.
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