National Caravan Council: Security advice for caravanners setting off for the summer holidays
Thousands of caravanning families are expected to head off for their holidays over the next few weeks. The NCC (National Caravan Council), the trade association that represents the UK caravan industry, is issuing some security advice to make sure that caravanners’ long-awaited holiday is not spoiled by caravan crime.
NCC Deputy Director General, Alicia Dunne said: ‘When on holiday in your touring caravan, don’t assume that all villains are on holiday too! When you are relaxed it is easy to let your guard down, yet it is not difficult to make it hard for thieves. You just need to follow a few simple steps.”
Immobilise your caravan: even when you stop briefly – for example in a motorway service station. Make sure your caravan can’t be towed away by using hitchlocks, locking-wheelnuts and a good-quality clamp on the caravan wheels. Maybe have a tracking device fitted, allowing the police or system operator to track the caravan if it is stolen.
Shut up and lock up: Always close doors, windows and any rooflights whenever
you leave your caravan. Take your keys with you!
Avoid temptation: Don’t leave valuables – especially mobiles, laptops, cash or credit cards – in sight and certainly don’t leave your caravan’s CRiS documents (see below) or purchase receipts in the caravan.
Neighbourhood watch: When you are on the park, keep an eye on each other’s caravans, and get to know who belongs on the site. Don’t be afraid to report anything suspicious to the park manager or the police.
Be alarmed: Have a reliable alarm fitted and remember to turn it on whenever you leave your caravan, even if it is only briefly.
The number of caravans stolen has fallen in recent years, but with more caravans out and about this summer, there is a danger that thefts could rise again, or that thefts from caravans could increase.
The NCC advises owners to ensure that their caravan is registered with CRiS – the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme. Since 1992, caravans made by all NCC member manufacturers have stamped the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle chassis and etched it into the windows.
Older and imported caravans can still be CRiS registered and electronically tagged – contact them on 01722 411430 or email cris.uk@hpi.co.uk for further information.
“At least if the worst happens, your caravan can be traced through the CRiS system. 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,” Dunne says.
More safety and security advice can be found at www.thecaravan.net
-01.png){kind=spacer}