Good news on caravan theft, but...
12 February 2009
In 2004 there were 2800 reported thefts of touring caravans, the
true figure is probably somewhat higher given that many people
still chose not to insure their caravans, and for those the saving
on their insurance premium probably bears little relationship to
the value of their loss.
In 2005 the number of reported thefts reduced marginally to 2300
but in 2006 there was a significant reduction to 1800 and a further
reduction in 2007 and 2008 to just 1400.
So the good news is that the number of thefts has halved in the
last 4 years thanks to improved security, the availability of well
managed secure storage facilities and increased police awareness
and attention to the problem. The bad news is that 1400 families
and couples who love caravanning have had their pride and joy taken
from them and their holidays probably ruined.
In times of recession there would appear to be, so history
suggests, an increase in property crime and so everyone involved in
the industry should be alert to the potential increase in caravan
theft and the misery that that may cause in terms of ruined
holidays, people not returning to the caravanning lifestyle and
possibly increasing insurance premiums. It is therefore very
important that caravanners review their storage and security
arrangements. Bear in mind too that significant savings can be made
on insurance premiums with Towergate Bakers for secure storage, 25%
for caravans stored on a CaSSOA registered storage facility, and
for good security, 25% for a pro-active tracker, an AL-KO Secure
chassis wheel lock or the Thiefbeaters identification system.
Research by many organisations, including Towergate Bakers,
suggests that this year could see a significant increase in the
number of UK residents holidaying at home, good news indeed to
everyone involved in the industry. Lets make sure that everyone has
a good year apart from the caravan thieves by reviewing our storage
and security arrangements and importantly spending a very small
percentage of the caravan’s value on insurance.
* Theft statistics courtesy of the National Caravan
Council
Need insurance cover?
See touring caravan insurance for details and cover
options or call 0870 998 0281 for a quote.