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All caravans manufactured since 1992 by NCC members are recorded on the CRiS database by their unique 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This VIN and the caravan description are recorded on a Touring Caravan Registration Document, which is sent to the caravan's registered keeper.


When purchasing a new caravan, your dealer will register the van, and you will receive your CRiS certificate within a few weeks of taking ownership.
If you own or are buying a caravan which is pre 1992, you can now apply for the caravan to be CRiS registered if it is not already.
Don't buy a stolen caravan
When looking at secondhand caravans, the CRiS number is your biggest ally in helping preventing you purchasing a stolen caravan, or buying a caravan with ourstanding finance owed on it.


Look for the CRiS number etched into the windows of the caravan
It will also be stamped somewhere on the chassis.
Ask the seller to see their CRiS document.
Once you have the number, you can telephone HPI for an HPIcheck, just like you do when buying a secondhand car. For a small fee, they will check that the caravan make and model matches the details on their register. They will also check to see if it is reported stolen, and whether there is any outstanding monies owed on the van, by the existing owner.

Caravan Theft
We have put together a list of safety / anti-theft advice for your caravan:

The Environment
If possible park the caravan inside a building away from prying eyes of the caravan thieves. Then 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.
If the caravan is parked on the 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 stolen caravan.
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.
Alternatively there are stand alone alarm system 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.


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.


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 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.

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.


If you are a member of the Caravan 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 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.
Purchasing a Caravan


New
If you are buying a new caravan, ask about built-in security features. All caravans manufactured since August 1997 should be electronically tagged for added security.


Used
If you are buying a second-hand caravan, try to verify the seller's identity and make sure the number plate on the caravan matches the one on the tow car. Also ask if it is registered with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CriS) - if it is, you can check its history through this scheme. If it isn't, call 01722 411 430 and get it registered.

The details on how to decode the rest of the CRiS number have been removed from this article on the request of HPI for security reasons, so we've left just the important bits on year and serial number.

Don't be tempted not to phone them and do a proper check though. It doesn't cost a lot, and could save you a fortune by preventing you from purchasing a stolen van.

Contacting CRiS
You can telephone CRiS on 01722 411430 to do a check on a caravan you are looking at buying, or for advice on registering your current caravan. Checks cost just £15.95 ( at time of writing ) Further details are available online from the HPI website

 
 
 
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