Holidaymakers told to act now to keep their caravans safe

Holidaymakers planning to take their own caravan on a summer getaway could be at risk of theft if they neglect to carry out some essential checks.

It's estimated that over 1,000 caravans are stolen annually, with very few ever being returned to their rightful owner. However, by properly registering your caravan with the National Caravan Council (NCC), you could significantly decrease the likelihood of losing your caravan permanently.

The Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) can assist officials in verifying a caravan's identity in cases where it has been reported stolen or has suffered criminal damage. A CRiS can also provide proof of ownership when dealing with the police or insurance companies.

A CRiS can further aid police in tracking down a stolen vehicle as all registered caravans will have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number, similar to cars. Moreover, if you wish to insure your caravan, insurers may require that you register it first.

Registering a caravan

While registration is not free, it only incurs a one-off fee of £20.95, which doesn't need to be renewed. Once completed, the owner's details will be entered into a national database accessible by police and insurers.

In the UK, caravan registration is done directly with CRiS, not the DVLA. To register, visit the CRiS website where you'll need to provide your personal details such as name, address, and contact information, along with the specifics of the caravan you're registering.

The CRiS website also offers a history check service for those considering purchasing a new caravan. This check can reveal if a caravan has been reported stolen, has any outstanding finance, or has been written off by an insurance company.

Reducing risk of caravan theft

If you're concerned about the risk of caravan theft, particularly while on holiday, there are numerous measures you can take to deter potential thieves. These include:

• Setting up a security system
• Installing tracking devices
• Secure the caravan with wheel clamps, hitch locks, or locking wheel nuts
• Ensure all doors and windows are properly locked

In some cases, you could get cheaper insurance for making your caravan more secure from theft.