26 Nov 2008

Vehicle theft peaked in 1992, but since then has been steadily declining. Still upto 1900 touring caravans are stolen each year in the U.K., and there are over 10,000 unsolved cases of caravan theft.

The Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme was established in 1992 in an attempt to combat the high numbers of touring caravans that are stolen each year. CRiS was set up by HPI and the National Caravan Council (NCC). HPI have a long history of checking the registration of cars as they have been doing it since the company was created in 1938.

Every caravan manufactured after 1992, by members of the NCC, now has a 12 digit Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.). This number is put on the chassis and on the windows. And since August 1997 all are fitted with an electronic tag that is embedded somewhere within the main bodywork. This means the police can easily access the information about your caravan should there be an incident. Similarly if the police find a caravan that has been stolen they can easily identify it by using the V.I.N. number.

The advantages of this scheme to buyers and sellers are numerous. Firstly if you are buying a pre-owned caravan you can check that the CRiS numbers all match, thereby identifying its provenance. Secondly you can contact CRiS and have the history of the caravan checked. This enables you to see if it is has been stolen, if it is an insurance write off, if the seller is the registered owner or if there is outstanding finance on it.

CRiS charge £14.95 for this service, but by using it you can rest easy knowing that purchasing the caravan will not cause you any problems later on. Although it is imperative that you make the check before purchasing the caravan.

When buying a CRiS registered caravan you must ensure that you are issued with a Touring Caravan Keeper Registration Document (CVR2). This will be essential should you wish to sell your caravan or should it be stolen. When selling a caravan you must make sure that it becomes registered under the new owners name, CRiS charge a £12.00 fee for this, normally payed by the purchaser.

Of course there are many caravans that were manufactured before 1992. If you own one don’t panic you can still register with CRiS and are advised to do so. Not just for the obvious security benefits but because many insurers will not insure a caravan that is not CRiS registered and it should add value to your caravan.

You can contact CRiS seven days a week on 01722 411 430.

8am – 8pm Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm Saturday
10am – 5pm Sunday

18 Nov 2008

Caravan theft has been declining over the last four years. This is due to increased security, both in terms of physical products and items like tracking devices that are deterrents to thieves. But theft is still an issue and in order that your caravan does not become a target due to being noticeably less secure than others there are a number of steps that you can take. Firstly make sure that you have numerous photographs of your caravan and its’ contents, as well as all the appropriate documents. Secondly invest in some approved security devices, make sure to check for the ‘SoldSecure’ mark. This is an not-for-profit association set up by the Master Locksmiths Association and the Police to test security products. Anything approved by them will be a product worth having.

Simple but effective deterrents

Always locking doors, windows and roof lights, regardless of the duration of your absence from the caravan.

• Storing the keys somewhere safe, preferably without labels informing that they are for the caravan.

• Removing personal belongings when you are not using your caravan. Also leaving cupboard doors open to show that they are bare, may prevent a break-in.

• Keeping your caravan in a police approved, secure caravan park. Don’t just consider price, be aware that if you can walk into the park and remove your caravan without being challenged then a thief will be able to as well.

Minimum Security Requirements

Wheel Clamps

Often a minimum requirement for insurers, they work by immobilising the wheel. The advantage of wheel clamps is that they are an obvious security measure and as such a deterrent to opportunist thieves. There are a proliferation of wheel clamps available. The best ones do not have exposed locks and do have thick radiating arms so they can resist damage from tools like saws and drills.

Hitch Locks

Again these are often a minimum requirement for insurers. They prevent your caravan from being hitched or towed away. It is important to make sure that it covers the hitch head and completely covers the security bolts. Otherwise thieves can just bypass it. Some also come with audible security alarms.

Anchors and Posts

These are generally used when your caravan is not in use. Security posts are concreted into the ground, either by the A-frame, the body or ideally both. These make moving the caravan virtually impossible for a thief. Anchors can be used in a similar way.

Electronic Security

An important thing to remember is that tracers and alarms often have high power consumption. This is particularly an issue if they are going to be left alone for a long amount of time. So remember to check the power source; many caravan-specific devices have special long life batteries to counteract this problem.

Alarms

It is advisable to get an alarm that has an internal sensor, one that will activate immediately if an intruder gets in. Other key features are tilt motion sensors and corner steady vibration sensors. They will detect if anyone is attempting to move the caravan in order to tow it away. If you buy an alarm specifically designed for a caravan it should not be set off by the normal movement created by the wind. It is also possible to get alarms that are remotely controlled or ones with panic alarms, should something happen when you are nearby. Another desirable feature is that the alarm will be activated when the road lighting is plugged in.

Markers

It is essential to have your caravan CRiS registered, for if the worst does happen you will have a greater chance of your caravan being returned to you. CRiS use a 12 digit vehicle identification number (V.I.N.) individual to each caravan as an identifier. There are also extension services of this nature available, involving micro dot tagging or extra electronic chips. If your caravan was built by a N.C.C. manufacturer after August 1997 then it will already have an electronic tag. If it was built after 1992 by a N.C.C manufacturer then it will already be CRiS registered.

The Police also recommend tagging your belongings with a ultraviolet marker, in case of property theft. They also suggest that marking the roof of your caravan with the V.I.N. may aid recovery if it is stolen and the police search from the air.

Trackers

Modern tracking devices generally work using global positioning satellites. This means that you will be able to know where your caravan is at any time, enabling you to follow its path. You can choose to have a monitored service, meaning that an external company or the police will be alerted when your caravan is moved. Or you can choose to be alerted yourself. It is important to note that the police do not have to immediately respond if you phone and alert them of a stolen vehicle. They are more likely to respond if contacted by an external company. Be aware that these companies often charge a high premium for constant monitoring. Thieves are also becoming better at finding and removing tracking devices. Despite this having a tracker installed increases your chances of finding your caravan. Due to the vast number of tracking devices and their varying levels of merit, not all insurers will automatically drop your premiums if you get a tracking device installed. It is always worth checking with them before making an expensive purchase of this nature. A last note on this is that the Police are under no obligation to recover your caravan; if it is abandoned it is still your responsibility.