Thefts of Caravans In The Local Area

There have been several Caravans stolen in the local area from storage sites. Quite a few have been recovered but some are still outstanding. We would advise that you review your security if you have a caravan whether at a storage Unit or at home and report anything suspicious on 101

Keeping your caravan secure
On holiday or touring, you rely on it as your home. How would you feel if somebody broke in or stole it?
Don’t give thieves the opportunity.
Follow these simple steps to secure your caravan and your valuables inside it.
When your caravan is not in use
Remove all your personal belongings and contents when you are not using your caravan. Leave cupboard doors and curtains open, this may help to deter opportunist thieves if they can see it’s empty.

Store your caravan securely. If you are choosing a storage site, don’t just look at the price. Check to see that it offers good security measures.

If you are leaving your caravan at home, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your caravan as well as your home. Consider fixing good security posts on your drive to prevent your caravan being stolen.

Choose a site operated by the Caravan Storage site Owners Association (CaSSOA)

Check to see if it offers good security measures for example secure posts to which your caravan can be hitch-locked, ground anchors, security staff or CCTV.

Remember if you can enter the storage area and remove your caravan without being approached, then so can a thief.

Devices for securing your caravan
Locking the coupling head into a cover using a good quality hitch lock.

Using locking wheel nuts and a good quality clamp on the caravan wheels.

Chaining your caravan to a robust and secure point. Use a heavy duty chain that is made out of hardened steel to reduce the chance of it being cut through.

Installing a reliable alarm system (GSM)and tracking device.
Protect your caravan and belongings

Ensure you close and lock your doors, windows and roof lights when you leave your caravan.

Don’t leave anything valuable on display, laptops etc.

Consider security marking any valuables.

Never leave Caravan Registration and identification documents (CRis) in your caravan.

Buying a caravan

Check that the chassis number hasn’t been removed or altered.

Before buying privately, consider checking the caravans history on CRiS.

Check all the keys are available and correct.

Check the number plate is the same as the one on the tow vehicle. Be wary if temporary or handwritten number plates are used.

Always ask about built in security features such as an alarm or tracking device, caravan safe, hitch-lock or wheel clamps.

Caravan facts
Caravans manufactured since 1992 by the National Caravan Council members are recorded on the CRiS database by their unique 17 digital Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The 17 digit vehicle identification document (VIN) should be stamped onto the caravan chassis and etched on the windows.
Even if you own a pre-1992 caravan, or imported your own caravan into the UK, you can still register it with CRiS yourself.
All caravans manufactures since August 1997 are electronically tagged for added security.

Message Sent By:
Julia Short (Police, PCSO, Macclesfield LPU Congleton PCSO)