Message from Devon & Cornwall Police regarding caravan thefts and burglaries to sheds and outbuildings

As a Neighbourhood team within North Devon we have noticed a rise in the last few weeks of Caravans being stolen from Caravan and Holiday Parks. There has also been a rise in burglaries to sheds and outbuildings, with quad/motorbikes being stolen along with tools.

 

As a result I just wish to remind all to please be vigilant, report any concerns you have to Police via 999 and make sure you make all attempts to keep your property secure and locked away.

 

So far we have had a number of caravans stolen across North, West and South Devon from both caravan and storage sites. A couple of these have been taken during daylight hours where offenders have entered a caravan site, brazenly stealing a caravan which is believed now to have left the Devon and Cornwall area. On the same day we made an arrest in relation to a Caravan that was stolen from holiday park, this was seen being driven in a dangerous manner and stopped by Police, checks then revealed that the caravan had just been stolen from a site near to Morthoe, enquiries are ongoing with regards to this matter.

 

As a team, I would request that should you see anyone acting suspiciously, or any vehicles which raises concerns then please call to report the incident so that we can investigate. This can include and is not limited to:-

 

Caravans being seen late at night, being towed by vehicles driving in a dangerous manner or in unusual circumstances

Large vehicles that look overloaded and weighted down

Unknown persons seen on property or neighbouring property

 

Finally please find a list of safety / anti-theft advice for your caravan or motorhome :

The Environment

If possible park the caravan inside a building away from prying eyes of the caravan thieves. Then if possible alarm the building.
  If you are choosing a storage site don't just look at the price, check to see if it offers good security. See the Caravan Storage Association www.cassoa.co.uk
  If the caravan is parked on your drive, it can be covered with a light movement sensor that gives an audible chime inside the house when someone is around the caravan. It works during the daytime even though the light does not illuminate.
  Fit metal security posts cemented into the ground in front of the caravan.
  Fit substantial gates or a security post to your driveway.

 

Technological Security Devices

Dependant on the cost of the caravan a 'Tracker' type device or other competitive GPS tracking system should be installed to locate the exact position of the caravan should it be stolen.
  Fit an alarm system to the caravan that uses the 12-volt battery to alarm entry into the caravan, and can also be fitted with a tilt or vibration sensor to detect it being towed away. Solar panels can be used to maintain the 12-volt battery power.
  Alternatively there are stand-alone alarm systems that will alert the owner via a mobile telephone that the alarm has been activated.

 

Security Marking

Security mark the caravan, since 1992 the National Caravan Council (NCC) recognised manufacturers have stamped the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle chassis. This 17-digit number has also been etched into the windows. Check your caravan and if it is not marked in this way, get it done.
  Companies can provide specialist identifiable marking products for individual caravans which enables police to trace owners. See the VIN Chip System www.cris.co.uk/vin-chip
  Roof identification of large letters or numbers can assist air support to track the caravan.
  Mark valuables and interior fitments inside your caravan with your postcode using a special etching tool or engraver. If you use a security marker pen, the writing will only show up under ultra violet light and may fade with time. Keep a note of these numbers at home, along with a photo of your caravan. This will help the police identify and return a stolen caravan or goods.
  See the CRiS Central Registration Scheme www.cris.co.uk/ and VIN Chip System www.cris.co.uk/vin-chip/ Use a third party forensic marking product such as Smartwater or Selecta DNA to mark the interior making sure the associated signage is displayed. Bespoke Caravan products available.

 

Physical Security Devices

Wheel clamps can be used as deterrent, but ensure that the clamp wraps around the wheel sufficiently not to allow the tyre to be deflated, the clamp taken off and the tyre re-inflated. Use lock-nuts on the caravan wheels.  Jack up the caravan and place onto axle stands or similar. Take the wheel off and put 3 locking wheel nuts back onto the wheel studs. This will prevent thieves placing a wheel back onto the axle and towing it away, unless they take off the wheel hub itself and replace it with a similar one. Secure each corner leg with a padlock. Make sure it has a short shackle to prevent thieves from cutting through it. If you use a chain, make sure it is a strong one. Thieves can easily get hold of the right tools to cut through a weaker chain. Lock the coupling head/hitch into a cover with a hitchlock. Gas cylinders make an inviting target to a thief. Padlock them to fixing clamps on older caravans so they can't be removed and keep gas compartments locked on newer models.
  Fit a special caravan deadlock to the door, and make sure you use it, then thieves cannot just smash a window and turn a door handle.
  All security devices should conform to 'Sold Secure' Standards, which means they have been extensively tested to reduce the risk of loss due to crime. Sold Secure web site: www.soldsecure.com *

 

General Advice

Remove all valuables from the caravan.
  Do not leave vehicle registration documents in the caravan. They can help a thief to sell the caravan on.
  Always close and lock doors and windows when you leave your caravan - even if it is just for a short time. Thieves do not need long to go through a caravan, and their job is made simpler if they can get in easily.
  Fit a time switch if you're out after dark, lights on in your caravan will make it look occupied and can deter opportunist thieves.
  Photographs of the interior and of identifying marks may be useful for later identification
  If you are a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, your touring caravan will be automatically logged on the Club's Security Register. This enables the club to liaise with the police and dealers rapidly should a theft occur. It also helps authentic ownership if your caravan is stolen then recovered. The club keeps a register of all caravans reported stolen, even those of non-members. This register is widely used by police throughout the UK. You can write to the Caravan and Motorhome Club at East Grinstead House, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UA. Tel. (01342) 326944. Caravan Club Website : www.caravanclub.co.uk *

 

Neighbours

Get to know your neighbours on the site when you are on holiday and think about joining a vehicle watch scheme at home. Keep an eye on each other's caravans, and get to know who belongs on the site. Do not be afraid to report anything suspicious to either the site manager or the police.