motorway service stations

[lorrainejoyce]

Interestingly, stopped at Blyth Services yesterday at around 12pm, 6 other outfits parked up in designated area, all unoccupied, none sporting wheel locks, hitch locks or other security devices! All were quite new and were a very good prospect for any passing thief.
We NEVER leave our unit unattended. Mostly we have a packed lunch in the car/caravan and use our own facilities ( and can't take the dog in the service area anyway) but if we need to visit loos/shop or get a coffee , one of us goes first , then the other. The prospect of losing our holiday home and everything in it is just too frightful to think about. I think this should be a warning to all caravanners to check the small print on their insurance, ours would certainly not be covered unless the locks were fitted.

 

[Parksy]

Like yourself, we'd never under any circumstances leave our caravan unattended on a motorway service area even with our locks fitted and in fact a condition of our insurance policy means that whenever our caravan is unattended the alarm / tracker must be armed and hitchlock and wheelclamps must be in place.
There has been a rise in the number of people who are new to caravanning so one can't help wondering if the surge in thefts of caravans from motorway service areas corresponds with the naiveté of newbies who don't realise that caravans are a prime target for thieves

 

[lorrainejoyce]

I feel certain that you are right there, or they don't read articles about the rise in theft! Lets hope they don't learn the hard way.

 

[JonnyG]

A rise in thefts compared to what? and when? Exactly what numbers are we talking about! Yes i read the article and there has been a rise that is still lower than those stolen in 2006. rates went down in 07,08 and 09! so the rise whatever it was was in 2010.
We are in 2011 now so as there is no mention of figurers for 2011,the advice is hardly applicable. so as usual i find this type of info pathetic.Just my opinion mind,just like the fact that i have insurance and when i leave the caravan i use the hitch lock,but i do leave the caravan untended i am on holiday not caravan baby sitting duty. Paranoia comes to mind unless someone can shock me with some exacts number concerning thefts for all the mentioned years.

 

[lorrainejoyce]

I think you are missing the point, I am not really interested in statistics but do take a pride in my van , and having searched long and hard to find the one we wanted, customised it to suit our needs,We don't want to increase the risk of it being stolen by leaving it unattended WITHOUT fitting the security devices as stippulated by my insurance company. Yes, it is insured but if it were stolen 1) We would be hard pushed to replace it as the model is now discontinued 2) a claim for total replacement would put our premiums up making what is not a cheap hobby more expensive. Just one persons pride and joy being stolen because they didn't heed warnings is one van too many. We shouldn't be handing things over to the criminal fraternity so easily. I don't babysit my van when we are on holiday, I trust in the use of secure club sites and all my security devices, but I. don't trust motorway service area's. I am not paranoid either, just a realist,having the ability to judge what is safe and what isn't. Maybe that is how I have avoided being the victim of crime, so far, in all area's of my life.

 

[Parksy]

A rise in thefts compared to what? and when? Exactly what numbers are we talking about! Yes i read the article and there has been a rise that is still lower than those stolen in 2006. rates went down in 07,08 and 09! so the rise whatever it was was in 2010.
We are in 2011 now so as there is no mention of figurers for 2011,the advice is hardly applicable. so as usual i find this type of info pathetic.Just my opinion mind,just like the fact that i have insurance and when i leave the caravan i use the hitch lock,but i do leave the caravan untended i am on holiday not caravan baby sitting duty. Paranoia comes to mind unless someone can shock me with some exacts number concerning thefts for all the mentioned years.

The reported rise in thefts from motorway service stations is based on the statistics apparently compiled by a leading caravan insurance company and they attribute the previous lower figures to greater vigilance by caravan owners.
As you will have seen for yourself, exact figures are not provided because the article is talking about a trend which has been observed by this insurance company. If this trend has risen for the latest available data which will obviously be 2010 (how could a years worth of 2011 data be compiled and mentioned in the article for a year that is only just over half way through?) shows that perhaps the level of vigilance has lessened because there have been no major breakthroughs in security equipment between 2009 and 2010 as far as I know.
If the advice to keep an eye on your caravan on a motorway service area is 'hardly applicable' and 'pathetic' as far as you are concerned John that's fine, carry on and happy caravanning.
If this topic is read by a caravanner who hadn't really thought about the reportedly high possibility of their caravan being stolen from a motorway service area or by a newbie who may not know any better and they then decide not to visit the toilet all together while leaving their pride and joy unprotected but to have one person stay behind until the other is back then they might stand a good chance of keeping their caravan. Even if they are fully insured a theft of a caravan which loaded and on the road ready for a family holiday is potentially more traumatic according to the article but perhaps in your infinite wisdom you find that statement pathetic as well?
Like yourself, I don't babysit our caravan when I'm on holiday, I deploy my security devices and get on with enjoying myself. My caravan is unattended for most of the time that we're away but on motoway service stations which is what this thread is about I don't leave the caravan unattended and if you want to call this paranoia then you do what you want to do, that's fine by me!

 

[Dustydog]

Jonny
You can always ask the Insurer concerned for the statistics or even the ABI ( Association of British Insurers).
I was slightly surprised at the alleged theft increase as I thought the numbers were on a decreasing trend since the Police rounded up the gang responsible for a very high number of thefts.
The data concerned must also be read in conjunction with the number of caravans "in use" for each year and then compare the theft frequency with that number.
Also complacency comes into play. People think that as the theft numbers have decreased the chances of your unit being stolen at the Motorway services have decreased too. This of course is flawed and the very concept the thief plays on.
For any newbie reading this let me say for the umpteenth time it is IMPERATIVE you strictly adhere to your Insurers security requirements. Most will want a hitchlock and wheel clamp fitted when left unattended at a Services. Some will not cover the theft risk in this situation it at all.
If I was a cynic I might suggest to you that the article was possibly the forerunner of a mega premium hike.

 

[TheTravellingRooster]

Hi to you all out there. For the most part caravan parking facilities can only be described as a joke (I don't mean funny). The out of site and often screened off locations are an open invitation to the toe-raggs that want to steal the caravan,or in the case of older car/caravan combinations they take the lot. Unhitching is a dead give-away.
There is also the other brigade to worry about,the ones that remove expensive parts to order or indeed to replace damaged items on their own caravan.
On our way down the M5 recently we pulled over in Strensham South,the parking was abysmal we drove straight through & out then went into the next one down which is Oldbury.The area for caravans does not cater very well for anything longer than a Fiesta and the shortest 2berth. Parking is only possible if the back to back parking bays have two unoccupied (one for the car,the other for the van).
Getting into the 'designated area' with a 42ft outfit is not easy and a risk of tyre damage on the caravan NS rear is high. Once through the opening twin axle units have to park up across FIVE regular parking bays on the edge of the area.
When I called for the attention of the Duty Site Manager he listened with an apparent close ear,he then proclaimed "that is/was not a problem that he had been told of by other caravanner's. Maybe all others go during the night-shift whilst he is sleeping at home!!!!!!!!!.

 

[JonnyG]

"For any newbie reading this let me say for the umpteenth time it is IMPERATIVE you strictly adhere to your Insurers security requirements. Most will want a hitchlock and wheel clamp fitted when left unattended at a Services. Some will not cover the theft risk in this situation it at all."

Is this actually true? or hear say?

Back to the paranoia, As i read numerous so called stories concerning service station,it makes me think,why would anyone risk using them!But they are used. As far as i am concerned,if there has been a rise in claims,I want numbers,otherwise i know from statistics in the past it all about juggling the figurers to suit your viewpoint.
For instance is the claim made by ONE caravan insurer.in regard to the entire caravan insurance industry or just itself? And no its not upto me to find out,if they make such a claim,and i am not saying it hasn't gone up,then why no figurers or statistics?For a start 2010 saw more people holiday at home and more often than in 2007/2008/2009!,So the chances are the odds/probabilities of having your van stolen were no greater than in any previous year, and lets be clear, insurance companies work on the odds/probabilities?.
It reminds me of the so called rise in gas attacks on caravaner's on the continent a few years back,sprawled a good industry in gas attack alarm systems,and i dare say frightened a few people too.

 

[Dustydog]

"For any newbie reading this let me say for the umpteenth time it is IMPERATIVE you strictly adhere to your Insurers security requirements. Most will want a hitchlock and wheel clamp fitted when left unattended at a Services. Some will not cover the theft risk in this situation it at all."

Is this actually true? or hear say?
Jonny
Ever the doubting Thomas.
Ok here goes . After 40 years working in the Insurance Industry's Claims arena I can tell you without doubt that if you check with any 10 caravan Insurers at least 8 will confirn my statement.

Who are you insured with and I'll check for you. If only to give you peace of mind.

Back to the paranoia, As i read numerous so called stories concerning service station,it makes me think,why would anyone risk using them!But they are used. As far as i am concerned,if there has been a rise in claims,I want numbers,otherwise i know from statistics in the past it all about juggling the figurers to suit your viewpoint.
Not my original allegations but I have said where you can find the numbers if you want. The only way to challenge someones "alleged" figures is by doing your own research and proving them wrong. Probably like you I am also too busy.
For instance is the claim made by ONE caravan insurer.in regard to the entire caravan insurance industry or just itself? And no its not upto me to find out,if they make such a claim,and i am not saying it hasn't gone up,then why no figurers or statistics?For a start 2010 saw more people holiday at home and more often than in 2007/2008/2009!,So the chances are the odds/probabilities of having your van stolen were no greater than in any previous year, and lets be clear, insurance companies work on the odds/probabilities?.
It reminds me of the so called rise in gas attacks on caravaner's on the continent a few years back,sprawled a good industry in gas attack alarm systems,and i dare say frightened a few people too.

Maybe if you have a moment you could challenge the originator of the original statement???

 

[Dustydog]

Jonny
I thought I'd double check for myself. Caravan Guard are the Authors of this comment and it is noted by our Nigel Donnelly..
See below an exact copy extract from CGs own policy wording. Say no more

What is Not Covered

1. Caravan Security
We
will not pay for theft or attempted theft of the Caravan
when
unattended and detached from the towing vehicle unless the

Caravan
is fitted with a proprietary hitchlock
and
a wheelclamp of proprietary make which surrounds part of the
tyre and covers at least one of the wheel nuts
or
an axle wheel lock device (eg AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock) or any
other axle wheel lock device of proprietary make
or
the wheels are removed and stored away from the

Caravan
or
is secured with any other security device agreed in writing by
Caravan Guard
IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WILL
INVALIDATE ANY CLAIM FOR THEFT OR ATTEMPTED THEFT

 

[Parksy]

......Back to the paranoia, As i read numerous so called stories concerning service station,it makes me think,why would anyone risk using them!But they are used. As far as i am concerned,if there has been a rise in claims,I want numbers,otherwise i know from statistics in the past it all about juggling the figurers to suit your viewpoint.....

Are you seriously suggesting that your caravan is unlikely to be stolen from a motorway service area???
If you had read the original post you might have seen that the OP found it interesting that 6 other caravans were parked up unattended and without visible security devices at Blyth services. Would you say that these caravans were likely to be targeted by thieves or unlikely?
All that the statement from the insurers does is to confirm that motorway service areas are known to be places from which caravans could be stolen, the number would be immaterial if one of them happened to be your own, especially if you'd neglected to fit locks to comply with the policy requirements so that the insurers wouldn't pay out.

 

[chrisbee1]

What is Not Covered


1. Caravan Security
We
will not pay for theft or attempted theft of the Caravan
when
unattended and detached from the towing vehicle unless the

Caravan
is fitted with a proprietary hitchlock
and
a wheelclamp of proprietary make which surrounds part of the
tyre and covers at least one of the wheel nuts
or
an axle wheel lock device (eg AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock) or any
other axle wheel lock device of proprietary make
or
the wheels are removed and stored away from the

Caravan
or
is secured with any other security device agreed in writing by
Caravan Guard
IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WILL
INVALIDATE ANY CLAIM FOR THEFT OR ATTEMPTED THEFT

Dusty, the policy wording would seem to suggest that providing the caravan is attached to the towing vehicle NO security devices need be fitted. Strange.

 

[lorrainejoyce]

Well spotted chrisbee but my policy actually says ( and I quote )"We

will not pay for theft or attempted theft of the Caravan

when

unattended/or detached from the towing vehicle unless the

Caravan

is fitted with a proprietary hitchlock

and

a wheelclamp of proprietary make which surrounds part of the

tyre and covers at least one of the wheel nuts

or

an axle wheel lock device (eg AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock) or any

other axle wheel lock device of proprietary make

One word difference but a world of difference. Perhaps we should all check our policies!

 

[Dustydog]

What is Not Covered


1. Caravan Security
We
will not pay for theft or attempted theft of the Caravan
when
unattended and detached from the towing vehicle unless the

Caravan
is fitted with a proprietary hitchlock
and
a wheelclamp of proprietary make which surrounds part of the
tyre and covers at least one of the wheel nuts
or
an axle wheel lock device (eg AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock) or any
other axle wheel lock device of proprietary make
or
the wheels are removed and stored away from the

Caravan
or
is secured with any other security device agreed in writing by
Caravan Guard
IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WILL
INVALIDATE ANY CLAIM FOR THEFT OR ATTEMPTED THEFT

Dusty, the policy wording would seem to suggest that providing the caravan is attached to the towing vehicle NO security devices need be fitted. Strange.

Hi Chrisbee
Well spotted. The printed version doesn't seem to be the same as the one I read. Another member of this Forum fell foul of CGs strict terms a couple of years ago.
Interesting to see that Lorraine's own policy says something different.

Maybe someone from Caravan Guard will be kind enouigh to set the record straight in simple plain unambiguous English

 

[chrisbee1]

Maybe someone from Caravan Guard will be kind enouigh to set the record straight in simple plain unambiguous English

Don’t be silly Dusty, we’re talking insurance companies here.

 

[Parksy]

Our C&CC Club Care caravan insurance policy gives details of the wheel clamps (one one each of the twin axles) a hitchlock and the Phantom Pro Active tracking device and it states that if we have told the insurers that we will be protecting our caravan with these devices then they must be in use whenever the caravan is unattended. There is no mention of whether or not the caravan is hitched to a towing vehicle . It's all written out in plain easy to understand English on the policy document and there is no ambiguity, it's very clear and simple.

 

[Dustydog]

Maybe someone from Caravan Guard will be kind enouigh to set the record straight in simple plain unambiguous English

Don’t be silly Dusty, we’re talking insurance companies here.

Come on Chrisbee
I'm a daft old dog .

You are absolutely correct.
I bet a Bonio CG make no comment

 

[CaravanGuardUK]

Hi guys,
Just wanted to first of all say thanks to everyone contributing to the discussion, customer feedback is really important to us and we appreciate criticism as much as praise. We are constantly aiming to improve the service we offer so any input is genuinely greatly appreciated.

Just to clear up any misunderstanding. It’s certainly NOT a case of our security requirements applying if the Caravan is ‘left unattended OR detached’, it has to be when the caravan is ‘left unattended AND detached’ which we think is fairer to the customer. We don’t know where the forum member ‘lorrainejoyce’ has got the wording she posted from but we would welcome her to contact us to allow us to get to the bottom of it. Other insurers may have a different take on this.

We recognise theft of caravans has decreased overall, however, there are certain types of theft that are on the increase. Theft of caravans from service stations is nothing new but we’ve just noticed a 200% increase in instances in 2010 compared to 2009. Therefore, regardless of insurance cover being in force or not, if you are stopping in a service station for more than a few minutes and wish to prevent the traumatic experience of losing your caravan, then you may want to leave someone in the car on guard or fit your wheel clamp and/or set your alarm as a deterrent.

When your caravan is detached from the towing vehicle AND left unattended such as on a campsite or when in storage, that’s when we need the security agreed to be fitted to your caravan. If you are insured with Caravan Guard please refer to your policy schedule to see which security devices you said you have fitted at the start or renewal of the policy and make sure those are in force whenever you leave your caravan detached from your towing vehicle AND unattended. When the caravan is in storage – if insured with Caravan Guard, to ensure theft cover applies, please also ensure the security you have told us you have at your storage site or at home, as listed clearly on your policy schedule, is in force. In most cases the security applying to a policy will be simply a wheel clamp or axle wheel lock and hitchlock although for higher value caravans we do ask for additional security to be applied such as an alarm, an additional wheel clamp or tracking device.

Please note the policy wording applying to all current Caravan Guard policies is as follows:

“1. Caravan Security
We will not pay for theft or attempted theft of the Caravan when unattended and detached from the towing vehicle unless the Caravan is fitted with a proprietary hitchlock
and
a wheelclamp of proprietary make which surrounds part of the tyre and covers at least one of the wheel nuts
or
an axle wheel lock device (eg AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock) or any other axle wheel lock device of proprietary make
or
the wheels are removed and stored away from the Caravan
or
is secured with any other security device agreed in writing by Caravan Guard

IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS WILL INVALIDATE ANY CLAIM FOR THEFT OR ATTEMPTED THEFT”

Both online and offline printed versions confirm this wording.

Please note we have recently relaxed our security requirements so if you’ve previously been put off by these and are not currently insured with Caravan Guard, it might be worth giving us another call. If your caravan is a single axle and insured for less than £16,000 and providing you keep your caravan at home or on a reasonably secure storage site, you only need a wheel clamp or axle wheel lock, and hitchlock to meet Caravan Guard’s minimum security requirements. If you own a single axle caravan insured for just above £16,000 we may ask for extra security such as an alarm, additional wheel clamp or locking corner steadies. Our tracking device requirement now applies for single axle caravans insured at £20,000 and above – many new caravans at this price come with a tracking device as standard. Twin axle caravans are statistically twice as likely to be stolen and hence require extra security.

Many of our customers like to fit extra security to their vans even if it’s not an actual requirement of our policy. Ultimately we still reward the fitment of various recognised security devices with insurance discounts. Of course if a customer has taken advantage of a security device discount, it’s important that they use that device whenever leaving their caravan detached from the tow vehicle AND unattended for theft cover to apply.

In general we don’t think our security requirements are overly strict or misleading. If anyone has any further questions about our security requirements, we’d welcome any calls on 01422 396 777. We’re open 7 days a week including 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday as we aim to make ourselves extremely accessible.

Thanks for everybody's input on this, it is genuinely much appreciated.

 

[lorrainejoyce]

your comments are very welcome I am sure ,especially for those covered by you, but as I am not insured with you I don't see how you can help me? Maybe I will call when renewing to see if you can give me a better quote!

 

[Dustydog]

Well done Caravan Guard for taking the time to answer the enquiry. At least you had the decency to stand up and be counted.
Do you think the theft of caravans from Motorway Services has increased as far as you are concerned because you no longer demand any security arrangements whilst the caravan is attached but left unattended??

You do realise thanks to your reply I have now lost a Bonio!

Correct me if I am wrong but you seem to be taking a more relaxed view on security than in previous years, so that is good news for us caravanners , I hope.

 

[JonnyG]

......Back to the paranoia, As i read numerous so called stories concerning service station,it makes me think,why would anyone risk using them!But they are used. As far as i am concerned,if there has been a rise in claims,I want numbers,otherwise i know from statistics in the past it all about juggling the figurers to suit your viewpoint.....

Are you seriously suggesting that your caravan is unlikely to be stolen from a motorway service area???
If you had read the original post you might have seen that the OP found it interesting that 6 other caravans were parked up unattended and without visible security devices at Blyth services. Would you say that these caravans were likely to be targeted by thieves or unlikely?
All that the statement from the insurers does is to confirm that motorway service areas are known to be places from which caravans could be stolen, the number would be immaterial if one of them happened to be your own, especially if you'd neglected to fit locks to comply with the policy requirements so that the insurers wouldn't pay out.

Sorry parksy i think you have over dramaticed things for effect.
To your first question, Yes, I am saying my caravan is unlikely to be stolen from a service station,or anywhere else for that matter! The probabilities are stacked high in my favour and in yours for that matter,even with a 200% rise in thefts[again no actual numbers] If for example 200 were stolen in 2009 from service stations then that would mean 400 were stolen in 2010. and how many caravans were on the road in that time? 20000?Its clearly in my favour by mile.
Love the word "known", service stations are known to be places were caravans are stolen! news flash so are driveways, and i bet far more are taken from driveways than service stations,But by saying what you did in the way you said it,it adds a dramatic touch to the story and plays on peoples fears just as the 200% remark does too.Lets be clear here caravans are not stolen by opportunist,the person or persons who would steel a caravan would have to come equipped.given an old banger of a caravan just hitched up and a fairly new one with security the thief thought was breakable,Which one would you attempt to steal?
And i think what got me going was all this stuff about you need to fit this and that otherwise your not insured on service stations! if you leave the car unattended !What tosh service stations might well be privately owned but they comply with all normal road laws as if part of the road network,so fitting locks hitchlock ect as you state in your last sentence,and what was also reported to be the case earlier in this thread is N/A not applicable,to mine and what i have read most peoples caravan insurance policies.
So again those statements were wrong and misleading,and i bet i wasn't the only one who ran to check if my caravan club insurance policy had changed,on renewal or i had mis read it......Maybe the kind helpful gentlemen could put some figurers together, so i can see what risks are involved in my attitude. Was it ten % of insured vehicles or one % or 0.5% of insured caravans were stolen from service stations? or was it smaller.

Now would i be happy if my caravan was stolen? No but i have insurance,its a risk game and our premiums are based on that,I comply with what is necessary and nothing more.

 

[Parksy]

Jonny G, you seem far more interested in nit picking my posts and trying to argue that caravans are not at risk of being stolen from motorway service areas than acknowledging facts. I've no need to dramatise anything 'for effect' by the way, those unlucky enough to have their caravans stolen from motorway service areas face more than enough drama.
I've no idea or figures to show whether or not caravans are more likely to be stolen from driveways than service areas and neither do you for that matter.
This topic isn't about thefts of caravans from driveways, if you had bothered to read what had been written you would have noticed that Lorrainjoyce's topic was about caravans without visible security devices being left unattended on motorway service areas.
If you really and truly believe that your caravan is unlikely to be stolen, fine, bully for you!
If that's the case then stop micro analysing every word that I write (a long time habit of yours) and leave those of us who are concerned about caravan theft from motorway service stations to continue our discussion in peace. What might be applicable to your caravan insurance policy might not be applicable to mine, you don't have access to my policy document.

 

[vernon]

I always find it odd that a thief would choose steal a caravan from a motorway service area. They only have one way to go from the services until the next interchange, and they are travelling with a makeshift number plate, whereas the the owner would be travelling solo and faster to catch them.

 

[Parksy]

In spite of what Jonny G is saying gangs of caravan thieves, often itinerants, pick out certain service areas because they are close to junctions which offer good prospects of escape. These people have been doing this for a long time, it's not new to them and they have no fear of or respect for the law.They hang around these chosen service areas waiting for a caravan that they can easily steal, often masked from view by lorries, and the target caravan is hooked up to their transit and away before the unknowing owners have even been served with their tea or coffee.
The police have all too often regarded caravan theft as very low priority and have reportedly been reluctant to chase these thieves to recover stolen caravans from the encampments where they are hidden even if they know where they are being kept.
My insurance policy states that the security devices that I declared when I bought the insurance must be used whenever the caravan is left unattended, it makes no mention of whether the caravan is attached to the car or not.
It's less hassle for us to use the service area toilets one at a time rather than messing around with wheelclamps and hitchlocks on smelly lorry parking areas or inadequate bays reserved for caravans. We don't bother with service area food or drinks because we prefer not to pay sky high prices so we use the toilet, stretch our legs and then we're off again, that's if we stop at services in the first place. Most of our journeys are under 4 hours and more often than not we use layby's or trunk road service stations which have a toilet, these are shown on my sat nav.