Safe and Sound
 A motorhome is
a prized possession – first make sure that what you buy is what it claims to be and then make sure you keep it |
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BUYING |
| 1 | Before you proceed with buying
a particular 'van, run a security check with HPI (tel 01722 422 422,
web www.hpicheck.com) to find
out whether it has been recorded
as stolen and/or if finance payments are outstanding. Ask the vendor for the V5C
(log book) and check this against the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) also known as
the 'chassis number': this is the manufacturer's own ID, found stamped onto a plate under the bonnet, under the carpet by the driver's seat and/or etched onto the vehicle's windows. |
| 2 | Has the vehicle been tampered with? Are there new door locks,
or anything noticeable in the area around them? Has there been
a re-spray? Have stickers been removed? Is there a brand new set of keys? |
| 3 |
Is there any security marking? Check the cab and habitation windows for identity markings such as the vehicle registration
or an ISR (International Security Register) number which can be checked,
for a basic charge of £24.95, with Retainagroup (tel 07000 111333, web www.retainagroup.com).
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| 4 |
Check the name of the person who is selling the vehicle: always meet them at their house and make sure they have a clear
and working knowledge of
the vehicle and that they are the owner
of the house; ask to go inside and don't
be afraid of asking to see a utility bill and vehicle insurance documents. Say 'no' to meetings in laybys, car parks or the street. Do not let the seller come to your house because thieves could come back to steal
the vehicle. Always inspect the vehicle in daylight before buying.
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| 5 |
As a buyer, do not pay cash – only pay by cheque or a banker's draft. As a seller, only hand over the vehicle documents once payment has cleared into your bank account. Finally, remember the old adage:
"If it's too good to be true, it probably is."
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PREVENTING THEFT |
| 6 |
Fit a high quality alarm with
an electronic immobiliser and,
if possible, a tracking device
– the Thatcham organisation rates security devices and provides a list on its website at www.thatcham.org (or phone 01635 868855). Alarms with immobilisers need to be designated Category One, tracking devices require Category Five. Most insurance providers will offer discounts if you fit approved security devices. Most thieves enter motorhomes through the plastic habitation windows, which are very difficult to secure.
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| 7 |
Park in a position which is as open as possible, ideally with a constant flow of pedestrians, rather than
a quiet side street, and ideally somewhere with CCTV. Car parks with the 'Park Mark' sign are the most secure (see www.saferparking.com for details). If you store the vehicle at your house, park it off-road (if possible). If your motorhome is not in daily use, insurers prefer a secure storage site, approved by CaSSOA (the Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association) and will offer discounts to motorcaravanners who use them.
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| 8 |
Do not leave anything in view.
Even an empty sat-nav cradle
is a sign to thieves that it may
be worth their while breaking in.
If your style of touring leaves you no choice but to keep valuables on board, fit
a safe. Secure bicycles with a high quality lock because cheaper chains can be easily removed with bolt cutters in a matter of seconds.
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| 9 |
Keep an eye on your keys while on tour – for instance, don't put them down on a busy café counter.
If you lose a key, consider getting the locks changed. Keep keys out of view at home – vehicle keys kept on a handy rack by the front door may be seen
and stolen by thieves hooking them through the letterbox.
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| 10 |
Mark your vehicle.
You should be able to get a vehicle marking pack and UV pen through your local police station. Or an ISR (International Security Register) marking kit, from Retainagroup (www.retainagroup.com) can cost as little as £24.95.
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See the December 2007 issue of the magazine for this feature article in full
Back issues can be ordered by telephone on 08456 777812 |
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Our thanks to
• Superintendent John Wake of ACPO (Associaton of Chief Police Officers) Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service
• Chris Raynor and Tanya Thompson of Hampshire Constabulary
• Rita Sadler of Safeguard Insurance (tel 0800 068 7562,
Website.
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