Caravans

Your caravan can be marked with your post code, on the chassis or even in large stick-on letters on the roof. Make a note of the chassis number and any other identifying numbers or marks.
There are small portable alarm systems that can be used in the caravan which sound an alarm in the house.
Do not leave items of value in the caravan when not in use. Take T.Vs radios etc. out and store them in the house. Remember most caravans that are stolen are taken from outside the owner's home.

Marking your caravan with your postcode is a simple but effective step.  Large stick-on letters can be purchased to put on the roof so that, if the vehicle is stolen, the police can identify it from the air - a bonus now that Cambridgeshire Police has a helicopter. Alternatively, the chassis can be marked.  Postcoding is the preferred method of the police as it is very easy to trace the owners.

However it is recognised that some owners object to the use of the postcode as it can be a bit of a give-away that the person is on holiday. There is also a problem if marked with the postcode when the caravan is sold to someone else. The Caravan Club suggests using the VIN or chassis number, particularly with newer caravans which are registered. Purchasers of registered second-hand caravans should check the ownership and ensure that the registration is transferred to them. If you wish to mark the roof of a motor-caravan you should use the registration number of the vehicle.

Summary of actions to take:

1. Immobilise your caravan at all times, even when stopping only briefly and try to park with the tow hitch facing a wall or fence.  Always use a hitch lock device.

2. Consider a reliable alarm.

3. Remove personal belongings when not in use and leave curtains open.

4. Take photographs of the exterior and interior of the caravan and keep these at home with  any registration documents.

5. Make a note of any identifying marks or scratches.

6. Mark the serial or chassis number in several places inside the caravan and make a note of  the locations.

7. Ensure the chassis (VIN) number is etched on the windows.

8. Mark the roof with your postcode or "VIN" number as required.

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