The Caravan Owners Club

[Eric G]

I have yet to take possession of my new caravan, and all these security issues are causing a bit of anxiety. Does anyone know if Hobby theft on continental Europe is as common as in GB? I am not too concerned about storage, as I have a gated drive. My concern is while the caravan is set up on a campsite and I am away. Would having an attached tent work as a preventative measure? I would suspect a thief leaving behind a pile of nylon and aluminum would raise the interest level of neighbors and campsite workers. What other situations should I be aware of to prevent becoming a victim of theft?

[azahar]

I have yet to take possession of my new caravan, and all these security issues are causing a bit of anxiety. Does anyone know if Hobby theft on continental Europe is as common as in GB? I am not too concerned about storage, as I have a gated drive. My concern is while the caravan is set up on a campsite and I am away. Would having an attached tent work as a preventative measure? I would suspect a thief leaving behind a pile of nylon and aluminum would raise the interest level of neighbors and campsite workers. What other situations should I be aware of to prevent becoming a victim of theft?

Caravan theft is a problem every where but I think on a camp site or on the continent it is much less so, you will hear it said that Hobby vans are 13 times more likely to be stolen than any other van, where this story came from I dont know but I have yet to find evidence of such figuers, as with any goods that are valuable take that extra bit of care,ie on a site make friends with your neighbor" he will look for you and you will look for him," disable the van as much as possable, add an allarm. I fitted one myself that covers all doors and windows including roof light and gas locker and with two pir sensors inside, that can be used when you are in the van ie. at night, or when away ect. for less than £175. I allso have a device that sets off an explosive charge should the van be moved(perfectly lagal) it even puts the sh**s up me if it goes off and of course attracts every ones attention, above all enjoy you van.

[Roy Armstrong]

Caravan theft on the Continent is far less prevalent than in the UK, hence the strange looks you get when putting your wheel clamp on!
A very good device that I have fitted is the Supermule, see www.supermule.com
Azahar, I would be interested in your explosive device and where to obtain one.

[Hobbynut]

I think I started the story of a German Twin Axle van being 12 times more likely to be stolen than a british van. This figure was quoted to me by one of the many insurance companies that I wrang attempting to obtain insurance for my 710. Alot of the companies refused to insure a german twin axle and when I asked why, one of them gave me that information.
Kind regards
Hobbynut

[azahar]

Azahar, I would be interested in your explosive device and where to obtain one.[/quote]

It would appear that the private message facility does not work on this club site,( no wonder more and more are useing Touring & Tenting--, http://www.touringandtenting.com/index.html
Any way Roy if you join the above club(its free) we could use the ppm on there and I can give you the info re the device, this saves puting your e-mail on the club page, AZAHAR

[Roy Armstrong]

Thanks Azahar,
I am a member of T&T but with a different logon name, I'll contact you there.

[Eric G]

Caravan theft is a problem every where but I think on a camp site or on the continent it is much less so, you will hear it said that Hobby vans are 13 times more likely to be stolen than any other van, where this story came from I dont know but I have yet to find evidence of such figuers, as with any goods that are valuable take that extra bit of care,ie on a site make friends with your neighbor" he will look for you and you will look for him," disable the van as much as possable, add an allarm. I fitted one myself that covers all doors and windows including roof light and gas locker and with two pir sensors inside, that can be used when you are in the van ie. at night, or when away ect. for less than £175. I allso have a device that sets off an explosive charge should the van be moved(perfectly lagal) it even puts the sh**s up me if it goes off and of course attracts every ones attention, above all enjoy you van.

Thanks for the responses. I do feel a bit more at ease. Jeezzz Azahar, a bomb? You get guns contolled on the island, now you resort to explosive devices.

[azahar]

Thanks Azahar,
I am a member of T&T but with a different logon name, I'll contact you there.

I to have a diferent logon ? bonterra

[Roy Armstrong]

That's why I haven't been able to find you!

[candlefish]

Me too!
Forkhandles (with a nod towards the two Ronnies)

[keith]

I think Azahar probably uses a gadget called an Alarm Gun This is a normally used to scare the bejazzers out of poachers on pheasant shoots. It is quite legal and uses 12G blank cartridges as I recall you should be able to get them from most Gun Shops. They will certainly have them at the Midland Game Fair at Weston Park 17th-18th Sept. Thats a good day out if you like Shooting / Fishing /Dogs etc. We will be going there and then moving up to Derbyshire for the Hobby Rally the following Weekend. I am not sure how much these things are but if you are going to the Rally I could get a couple.