Secure and Worry Free Camping!

Enjoy secure, worry free camping
Whilst it may never happen to you many caravan owners have had the misfortune to become victims of crime.
Despite what you may have heard the incidence of caravan and leisure related crime has in recent years seen some marked decline, much of this is due to the considerable work by manufacturers to provide in-built, realistic security solutions. This work has been further supported by the responsible actions taken by owners to protect their property.
 
Protecting your belongings
It is impossible for a criminal to steal what they cannot see, so the best way to protect your belongings is to do what you can to make them invisible.
When you look into your caravan or leisure vehicle, what can you see? Well, the opportunist thief can see just the same, and if they consider the reward is high enough then they will take the opportunity to steal.
So, out of sight is out of mind, remove the articles from view.
You might consider a specialist caravan safe, but if the property is that valuable do you really need to have it with you?

Pay particular attention to:

• Mobile phones
• Lap tops
• Bank cards, cheque books
• Credit cards
• Personal mail (indicating your home address)
• NEVER leave the caravan registration document in the caravan. You could actually be helping a thief to sell it.

Property marking
Your home postcode is unique to you. It enables property to be identified right back to you. In the same way your caravan has a unique number, the CRIS number. We will look at how the scheme works later but both numbers can help to protect your property.
Your personal property can be marked and identified to you in a number of ways. The post code mark is simple and can be applied either overtly—you can see the marking, or covertly—where the marking is concealed.
Consider the property you have with you when you are using your leisure vehicle and try to make sure that your personal property has your postcode written on it.
With regard to the leisure vehicle. This has its own number and by taking the last six numbers of this number, and with a permanent pen writing the number in a variety of places around the leisure vehicle you can assist in identifying it further—the timber structure inside cupboards and lockers is an ideal place to make these marks.

Security devices
Immobilising your caravan when it is unattended, even briefly, reduces the risk of it being towed away.

The following methods should be considered:
Lock the coupling head using a hitch lock cover. This helps to prevent it being hitched to a thief’s vehicle. If the caravan is locked to your vehicle then opportunities for it to be stolen are reduced.
Where the caravan is parked or stored then, if possible, secure the hitch and lock it to the ground using a hitch post.
A wheel clamp will prevent the wheels from turning, but make sure that if the security plate does not cover the wheel nuts that you use locking wheel nuts as well. When choosing a wheel clamp make sure that it is not so bulky and difficult that you avoid fitting it when possible, that will almost certainly be the time when an opportunist thief would strike.
The corner steady legs can be locked in the down position, but make sure that the steady legs cannot be removed from the chassis when the locks are in place.
A ground anchor and chain can secure your caravan, try to chain behind the wheel to further secure the lock and chain and make sure that both are of a good secure standard. Never secure your caravan by passing a chain through the chassis member.
Remember that it is a condition of most insurance policies that security devices are fitted to the caravan when it is unattended, whether in storage, on a service area, or in fact whilst you are on vacation. Failure to fit these devices may result in a claim being refused by the insurer.

The Home Office  recognises an Approved Security Device testing centre. This is operated by the Master Locksmiths Association under the banner of Sold Secure.
Visit their website for an up to date list of approved products, or telephone them for independent advice.
The insurance industry has a further testing station for security products branded under the name Thatcham
So, by taking a number of relatively simple steps you can reduce the opportunity for your caravan being stolen. You can also take measures to deter anyone from breaking into it.
Fitting a good quality and reliable alarm. Remember to use it even if you are only away from your caravan for a short period of time.
Consider investing in a specialist tracking system that will monitor the movement of the caravan both in the UK and if necessary across Europe (most insurers will provide a premium reduction when a ‘recognised’ tracking unit is fitted). Some tracking companies allow for the unit to be transferred between caravans / motor-homes, saving the substantial cost of replacing the unit.
(Some tracking systems now provide for this alarm system to be monitored whilst you are away so that any unauthorised entry into the caravan is alerted to the monitoring station and they then call to advise you of the alarm activation).

Always close the doors, windows and the roof lights when you leave the caravan.
Specialist security deadlocks are available to improve the security of you caravan door.- remember though that by increasing the security of the door lock that any prolonged physical attack will result in substantial damage to the door and the surrounding body panel areas.
If you choose to fit any of these items then please make sure that you use them.
If you are using your vehicle during the autumn and winter periods consider using a timer for the lighting, as you would in your home. This can serve to deter an opportunist.
Always lock your caravan and take the keys away with you. When you are not using the caravan keep the keys secure at home, out of sight. If you have a number of keys to store consider installing a key safe for additional security.

Security marking
Security marking is not only effective in  deterring thieves it is also an important way that property can be identified and returned to its lawful owner.
In 1992 the National Caravan Council introduced a marking scheme for all caravans that were certificated by them. This took the form of a European standard type VIN—Vehicle Identification Number. This number was etched into both the chassis and the windows of caravans.
This system of identification has now been expanded. Not only is the facility now available to fit for pre 1992 vehicles it can also be purchased to mark imported caravans. There is obviously a validation process to avoid a suspect unit being marked.
In addition to the original markings it is now possible to obtain electronic tags (fitted on models from1998 onwards) as well as micro dot markings that carry a DNA identifier. These markings all relate to the same number -more usually referred to as the CRIS number.
This is the number that you can utilise to mark in and around you unit in both permanent and invisible (UV) marker. To assist with future identification it is helpful if the location of these marks is recorded a photograph is an easy way to achieve this. 
Once these records are complete they need to be stored safely, away from the caravan with the CRIS document.
There are a number of companies that offer a facility for the marking and registering of personal property details.
It is important to ensure when using any of these companies that they adhere to the industry standards, established by the Loss Prevention Council.

Buying a new caravan
When considering the purchase of a new caravan you should ask your dealer about the in-built security that will be afforded, and what other upgrade options are available to you.
Since 1992, information on all caravans certificated by the National Caravan Council has been registered with the CRIS (Caravan Registration and Identification System). This is a national register for caravans in the UK. It was set up by the NCC to provide the owners of caravans with their own registration system, similar to that for motor vehicles at the DVLA. It is administered by HPI—more widely known for its operation with the motor industry and finance. The scheme provides a log book for the owner, and the records held maintain a history of the caravan for ownership / finance / insurance claim, damage etc. It is the only UK database that specialises in this facility.
So, when you buy your new caravan the dealer will complete the details to be
 
Registered on the CRIS system.
Once the details are received by CRIS they will forward the document out to you. Make sure you check the details before you file it away safely (a handy credit card size peel off section is provided for you to retain should you need the caravan details urgently. Don’t forget when you come to sell the caravan to have the document available for handing over.

There is no legal requirement for the new owner to register.
There is a small administrative charge, but this is a small price to pay to ensure that the records are properly maintained.
Your insurer will probably require you to fit a number of security devices to the caravan when not in use. Ask your dealer to show you the devices that are available and don’t be afraid to try them out to see how they work. After all if you buy a device that ends up being too difficult to use—then you will probably not use it and that puts your caravan at risk.

Buying a second-hand caravan
We have already considered that a number of caravans are stolen every year. It is inevitable that some of these will be offered for sale to prospective purchasers, so you need to be aware.
Do not be tempted to buy a caravan that you have seen advertised and is now available for you to inspect on a pub forecourt, or a service station. Sometimes thieves even use unoccupied houses to display their property—making you think that they live there.
If you follow a simple check list then most of the pitfalls associated with buying a suspect caravan can be avoided.
Don’t be tempted by a ‘quick sale offer’. Take time to look at the caravan, and ask for time to think about it. Record the details of the caravan.

• Check the chassis number—normally found stamped into the front chassis member of the caravan. Is it clear? Can you still read it?
• Check the window markings- as with the chassis, are the markings clear? Are they the same as the chassis? Are they missing?
• Can the seller provide any proof of identity?
• Do they have the CRIS registration document?
• Does the caravan have the towing vehicles number displayed to the rear?
• Are all the keys available?
• Ask what security devices are fitted, or used, and are they included in the sale.

If you are unable to establish any identification marks on the caravan, but still consider that the vendor is genuine then you may wish to have the caravan inspected by a specialist to establish its chassis number / identification detail.
A specialist company working to support Police, law enforcement agencies, insurers and the general public is Tim Booth Consultancy Services Ltd.

See www.timboothcsl.co.uk for details, or call 01205367777

Once you have viewed the caravan take time to check with CRIS with regard to its history.
To carry out this check you will need the details of the CRIS number from the caravan and the current owners name and address. Using this information a simple call to the CRIS team will allow them to check that this is the same detail that they hold. For reasons of data protection they are only able to confirm details of ownership as notified by you. There is a small charge for this service.
If you decide to purchase the caravan then don’t forget to ask them to fill in the notification of sale section.
Once that is complete they can then hand you the rest of the document in order that you can complete the new owner details and send them off for registration.
 
CRIS contact details are included at the end of this information.

Checklist:

Stolen property
A lot of stolen items are sold on to the general public. You may believe that you are acquiring a bargain, but in real terms you may be buying into trouble.
If the property you buy is proven to be stolen then you lose not only the property but also the money that you paid out when you bought it.
You cannot insure stolen property, so the total loss would be against you personally.
Stick to reputable shops and dealers. If you have any problems with your purchase then you at least have a point of contact to try to resolve matters.

Selling your property
When you decide to sell your caravan you must be as careful as when you made your decisions to buy it. Your caravan is a valuable asset and some criminals may choose to try to ‘steal’ it from you by means other than towing it away.
If you decide to sell your van privately then ensure that any monies paid for the caravan are received in full, and if paid by cheque or bankers draft that the funds are cleared.
Even with today’s technology money takes time to be processed by the banks and banker’s cheques, like other cheques, should be allowed to clear for at least seven working days before you hand over your property.

Remember to complete the CRIS document to update the records of ownership, and hand the relevant papers to the new owner.
 
On site
Caravan sites are there for people to enjoy themselves. Some have been surveyed and recognised as providing a level of security that meets a standard set by the Safer by Design Awards. These awards recognise those sites that have taken measures to reduce opportunities for crime and seek to provide a safe environment for you to enjoy your leisure time.

Get to know your neighbours
‘Caravanners’ are a friendly group of people with a shared interest. When on site, like at home, keep an eye on your neighbour’s property and equipment. If you see anything suspicious then report it to the site management or the Police.
If you have to store your caravan away from home look for a site that is approved to do that. A national provider CASSOA, the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association, provides a comprehensive standard of storage. This is a specialist group who concentrate on providing storage facilities.
When enquiring about storage ask about the levels of crime associated with the storage site, this should include details of any units stolen, or broken into whilst at the site. Check with other site users as to how good they have found the provision to be.

For details see their website, or contact your Police Crime Reduction Officer

Remember wherever it is your caravan should be immobilised in accordance with the conditions of your insurance, and such that it reassures you that you have made it secure.
 
When your caravan is not in use
If you are storing your caravan at home, as well as fitting the security devices ensure that you remove your personal items. Leave curtains open so that you can see that the caravan is empty.
Make sure that, if your caravan is in view of your neighbours, that they know it is now secured for storage. Ask them to report anything suspicious that they see, either to you, or in an emergency to the Police.

• Contacts Glossary
• Crime Reduction Officers
• You can contact a crime reduction officer at your local Police Station
• Or check your local Police website for contact details.
• National Caravan Council
• Information on caravan manufacturers and certificated products.

Catherine House,
Victoria Road
Aldershot, Hants GU11 1SS
Tel:  01252 318251
Fax:    01252 322956

Website: www.nationalcaravan.co.uk
Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRIS)

For a check on the status of a second-hand caravan or information about registration or tagging your caravan;
HPI Ltd
Dolphin House, PO Box 61
New Street, Salisbury
Wiltshire SP1 2TB
Phone: 01722 411430
Website: www.hpi.co.uk

Sold Secure
For up to date listings of approved security products
Tel: 01327 264687
Website: www.soldsecure.com

CASSOA
Caravan Storage Site Owners Association
Details of certificated storage site facilities
Tel: 01159 349826
Website: www.cassoa.co.uk

Thatcham
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre
Tel:  01635 868855
Email: enquiries@thatcham.org

For crime reduction advice
www.crimereduction.gov.uk
www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk