Attempted theft after only one week 😢

crobinson9 replied on 16/07/2019 23:05

Posted on 16/07/2019 23:05

I have brought an LMC van that I have saved for and finally decided after three years to make the jump for.  I joined the caravan club less than one week ago straight after buying the caravan.  I have booked our first trip for 8th aug through the caravan club and  stored it on a reputable site and guess what - someone has already tried to steel it- the bull dog wheel clamps (twin axel) that have cost me almost £400 are destroyed and I feel gutted !  I’m not sure this is for me I’m so worried. Now it’s took all of the enjoyment away and feel like just getting rid now . What security do other people use on their vans- this is our first one and I thought it was so luxurious - obviously is to travellers too !!!

replied on 18/07/2019 08:24

Posted on 17/07/2019 23:23 by crobinson9

Funnily enough - the company I brought the van from also recommended the same thing.  They said they have never heard of a van being removed with these on even if I used these throughout the winter months at least there is piece of mind.   Thanks for the advice I think I will look into these and how easy they are to fit and remove.  Maybe use the bulldog clamps whilst away and these whilst in storage .  Thanks for your advice it’s really fab x

Posted on 18/07/2019 08:24

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bandgirl replied on 18/07/2019 22:29

Posted on 18/07/2019 22:29

I can’t offer any advice regarding the security of your Hobby caravan as I have no experience of them, unlike others on here, but I can understand how upsetting this all must be for you, so just wanted to say don’t give up.  Once you’ve had some trips out in your caravan you’ll start to feel more confident and comfortable, I’m sure.  When you’re expecting something to go badly, it never turns out as bad as you thought it would be.  Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

crobinson9 replied on 20/07/2019 17:52

Posted on 20/07/2019 17:52

Well after much research deliberation and pondering - I have gone for the JSB locks no thefts in 15 years cannot be quibbled with.  I have the bulldog wheel clamps to use on tour for peace of mind , alarm and tracker going in , registered with CRiS.   We will see but I feel better.  Looking forward to our first adventure on the 8th August we aren’t going far as it’s our first time just in case trip .   Thanks everyone for your advice 👍🏼

Hedgehurst replied on 26/07/2019 22:46

Posted on 26/07/2019 22:46

That's a horrible experience to have had, but great that you're going for the trip - hopefully a good holiday experience will tip the balance back in a more positive direction.

To other more experienced caravanners - do you find the location makes a big difference? In our few years at this game, plus a lot more with tents beforehand, we've often felt more relaxed, security-wise, in out of the way places, the sort of areas where people don't always bother locking their own front doors, but more concerned near big areas of population, like the  pre-trip night near the ferry port for example.

KjellNN replied on 26/07/2019 23:00

Posted on 26/07/2019 23:00

We have not had any problems or worries, we use a mix of rural and near town sites both in UK and abroad.  We generally fit/use all our security devices, just in case, but are less particular when abroad.

One thing we do not do is to leave much of value in the van, as caravans are not exactly difficult to get into!

We carry, for example, cameras and laptops in the car whenever we go out.

brue replied on 27/07/2019 08:35

Posted on 26/07/2019 22:46 by Hedgehurst

That's a horrible experience to have had, but great that you're going for the trip - hopefully a good holiday experience will tip the balance back in a more positive direction.

To other more experienced caravanners - do you find the location makes a big difference? In our few years at this game, plus a lot more with tents beforehand, we've often felt more relaxed, security-wise, in out of the way places, the sort of areas where people don't always bother locking their own front doors, but more concerned near big areas of population, like the  pre-trip night near the ferry port for example.

Posted on 27/07/2019 08:35

Please don't think rural areas are safer than busy areas, out of the way can mean out of sight and it's just as easy for things to go missing. Just be security conscious wherever you stay. smile

Takethedogalong replied on 27/07/2019 10:49

Posted on 27/07/2019 10:49

I’d agree brue. I think you get a “feel” for a location. There are some Club Sites I wouldn’t leave a step out, never mind anything else, likewise remote Farm in Cotswolds gave me the eeby jeebies. Theft from farms is huge, and a nice shiny van surrounded by lots of camper toys (cadacs, expensive recliners, etc....) are vulnerable. Only thing we have ever lost was a cheap water carrier, farmer thought it had been stolen probably to steal fuel elsewhere.

Word regarding Marazion. Club Site has a public footpath all the way through, and it does get used. I strolled through with a friend one evening, and we were astonished at how much gear was lying around. 

replied on 27/07/2019 11:05

Posted on 27/07/2019 10:49 by Takethedogalong

I’d agree brue. I think you get a “feel” for a location. There are some Club Sites I wouldn’t leave a step out, never mind anything else, likewise remote Farm in Cotswolds gave me the eeby jeebies. Theft from farms is huge, and a nice shiny van surrounded by lots of camper toys (cadacs, expensive recliners, etc....) are vulnerable. Only thing we have ever lost was a cheap water carrier, farmer thought it had been stolen probably to steal fuel elsewhere.

Word regarding Marazion. Club Site has a public footpath all the way through, and it does get used. I strolled through with a friend one evening, and we were astonished at how much gear was lying around. 

Posted on 27/07/2019 11:05

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Hedgehurst replied on 27/07/2019 21:32

Posted on 27/07/2019 21:32

You're right, of course, I was guilty of generalising too much!
I was thinking in particular of the sites we used in the far NW of Scotland, where obviously things must get taken, but in general there's a superb level of trust in the community - not just on sites. Our neighbour at a site near Ullapool left a nice shiny trolley for his kayak on a beach some miles from the site. It's not busy, but does have regular visitors. No surprise at all that it was still there hours later when he went to reclaim it.

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