The Caravan Owners Club

[Doc]

I'm copying here a response I posted to John-C, re CRIS & tagging., as it's a more appropriate 'category'.

"Hi John,

Not bothered with CRIS registration or its useless tagging system.

I've posted on this to uk.rec.caravanning some years ago; do a google-search for the old postings under electronic tagging or CRIS, or doc, etc.

Why? Because the CRIS system uses rather old fashioned technology, incompatible with systems used elsewhere. The Police don't really bother with it, because their detectors (all 30!) have to get so close to the 'van to read the tags. I've been led to understand that they don't even bother to keep the readers on charge.

I use a tagging and registration system (http://www.stoptheft.co.uk) which is far more widely applicable (on the continent as well). The UK Police have well over 1000 readers, and they can read tags without going so close to the 'van. I think the insurance people, CaravanGuard use this system and maybe Barrons.

It uses a well-proven system by Trovan ( http://www.rfidnews.com/stoptheft.html), which is used in industry and the Health Service etc., to help in prevention & recovery of stolen/mislaid items.

My Hobby is fitted with 2 credit card tags and a 'pill' tag, plus numerous warning notices.

My 'van is also fitted with a large roof notice which reads:
"If NOT towed by a
... . .Silver
Skoda Octavia Estate
{Car's reg No.}
Phone POLICE"

I've just changed the car, so I went to the sign maker guy to get the ammended parts of the notice; it cost £18. Got to fit them on before I tow the 'van!!

Police have said it's a good idea. It aids recovery, but obviously is not a deterrent. Total prevention of theft is an illusory goal; if they want it they'll get it. All you can do is make it difficult to steal and add in something which will aid recovery AND conviction of the thieves.

There is a fancy recovery/anti-theft? gadget (not Tracker) ,which uses a GSM phone and GPS location technology, and 'phones you up if your 'van moves beyond about 5m from a specified static location. I've been told you can even get software, to see, on an on-screen map, where the 'van is!!! A friend is trying to find out where you can get it and, importantly, how much it costs! The advantage over Tracker is that there is no annual charge; just a one-off purchase price.

Cheers, Doc."

[John_C]

Good idea Doc...heres a copy of my post too...thanks for your comments..its made me think tiwce...

My original post follows:-
Anybody got any guide lines/tips about registering your van?

I have just contacted CRis (Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme) about logging my van with them. (tele 01722 411430)

They told me that most imported vans are not pre registered and that for just £34.50 they would send me a kit so that I can mark my new caravan windows etc with the vin number also electronic chips to hide in the vans construction somewhere.

Also they told me that in the event of a claim on my insurance one of the first things the insurance company would ask for is my CRis registration number....but they did not ask for it when I took out the insurance....?

[harrycee]

Hi Doc & John
I have neither tags nor tracking devices - if the thieving scum get their hands on mine then I most certainly don't want it back.
H

[John_C]

Hi harrycee

Yes, we could not agree more with you, but the insurance of our van would be more if we did not register/tag it...

After all if it ever was nicked and we got paid out so as to get a new van, the nicked van would belong to the insurance Co. So they owe us for tagging it so that they can get it back.

But, since there are 5 tags in the kit and 1000 dots, we are able to use the tags on some other things apart from the van that we would want returning.

[John_C]

Hi
have trided to delete this post but it just wont go, can only edit it...could an administrator do it for me Thanks...

[harrycee]

Hi John,
When I insured my van I was asked if it was registered and I answered no - they said no probs. In my view it is a profit making organisation which does little to protect or recover property.
H

[John_C]

harrycee

Yes I agree thats a very valid point, they are mainly in it for profit.


but I think I'm doing my bit to make the so & so's life a little less fun when he nicks my property.

[Hutchy]

Doc

Did you manage to find out more info on the alternative to tagging. I was just about to purchase the tagging system but will probably wait to see what the alternative can offer.

Thanks

Jo

[nigel129]

[quote="Hutchy"]Doc

Did you manage to find out more info on the alternative to tagging. I was just about to purchase the tagging system but will probably wait to see what the alternative can offer.

Thanks



have a browse through this thread, hope its what your waiting for

http://www.hobby-owners-club.co.uk/foru ... highlight=