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THEFT OF CARAVANS |
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THEFT OF CARAVANS
There has been an increase in thefts of caravans. Theft of caravans can be particularly distressing as they are for many people a ‘second-home’. Long planned holidays can be ruined. Storage of caravans can be a challenge. If not on a front drive then they are often in isolated farm locations. Storage of caravans is a big source of financial diversification for farmers.
Below is some sound advice from the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team: To prevent caravan crime, use physical deterrents like hitch locks, wheel clamps, and security posts. Install alarms and tracking devices for added security. Securely lock all doors, windows, and lockers. At home, store your caravan in a well-lit, CCTV-covered, and out-of-sight location. Always remove valuables, avoid leaving paperwork inside, and consider registering your caravan with a security scheme like CRiS.
Physical Security Measures Wheel Clamps and Hitch Locks: Use a good quality wheel clamp and hitch lock when storing or leaving the caravan.
Security Posts: Install concrete-in security posts with internal locking mechanisms to prevent a thief from hitching up and removing your caravan.
Door and Window Locks: Ensure your caravan's doors and windows are well-maintained and lock securely. Consider adding additional over-locks for extra protection.
Lock External Lockers: Don't forget to lock the gas compartment and any external storage lockers, as these can sometimes be used for access.
Deterrents & Technology Alarms: Install a caravan-specific alarm that can send signals to your mobile phone when intruders or motion are detected.
Tracking Devices: Fit a tracking device to your caravan, which is a highly effective way to locate it if it's stolen.
Security Marking: Use a property marking kit to mark valuable possessions within the caravan and etch the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on windows to deter thieves and aid recovery.
CCTV: If storing your caravan at home, install a good quality CCTV system to cover the area where it's parked.
Storage & Habits Secure Storage: Store your caravan in a secure storage facility or, if at home, park it in a well-lit area covered by CCTV and out of sight from the road.
Valuables: Remove all valuable items and personal belongings when not in use.
Paperwork: Never store caravan paperwork, such as ownership documents, inside the caravan.
Keys: Keep all caravan keys secure and out of sight when not in use.
Neighbours: On a campsite, get to know your neighbours and join any site-based vehicle watch schemes to keep an eye on each other's property.
Before You Buy
Check the History: Use services like CRiS to check a caravan's history before purchasing, especially if buying privately. Inspect the VIN: Make sure the caravan's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is present and hasn't been tampered with. Suspicious Sightings? If you see a caravan being hitched up or towed in an unusual time / place and your instinct tells you that somethings ‘not right’ then please make notes , take photo's or if very concerned consider contacting us as shown below. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, quoting the relevant reference number. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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