The CRiS VIN Chip praised by MP following visit to CRiS headquarters
The offices of the Central Registration and Identification Service (CRiS) have been visited by Chippenham MP, Michelle Donelan following the scheme receiving a prestigious award for ‘Best Application of Technology’ at the South West Contact Centre Forum (SWCCF) awards last week.
As well as visiting the offices, Donelan was shown the new Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Chip scheme and the company’s plans for expansion.
CRiS, which was founded in 1992 by the National Caravan Council (NCC) in a bid to improve caravan security and help prevent and detect caravan related crime, maintains a register of touring caravan details and is recognised by the industry, consumers, regulatory bodies and government organisations as the national registration scheme for touring caravans.
Now, CRiS is moving towards bigger and better endeavours this summer as it has launched VIN Chip, a new improved theft deterrent and identification system for touring caravans. VIN Chips are unique because they have both visible and invisible markings containing a touring caravan’s specific 17 digit VIN.
Touring caravan VIN’s will be proudly displayed on tamper evident stickers to deter criminals. Hidden electronic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips, that are traceable by the Police for identification and recovery of stolen touring caravans, will also contain the VIN.
How do you get one for your caravan? Well, all NCC member touring caravan manufacturers have adopted VIN Chip and all their 2016 touring caravan models will carry the new branding, and they will be put on windows and gas bottle lockers.
Donelan also learnt more about the NCC, the trade body for the industry in the UK and how important the £6 billion caravan sector is to the UK economy. The industry employs around 130,000 people and there are currently in excess of one million leisure accommodation vehicles in use in the UK.
Managing director of NCC CRiS, Sean Bailey, said: “We were delighted to welcome Michelle to our offices in Chippenham at such an exciting time for the company and the caravan industry as a whole. NCC CRiS continues to develop technologies to reduce crime and give caravan owners peace of mind.
“By working closely with the police we are confident that the new VIN Chip scheme will both deter caravan theft and help in the speedy identification and recovery of stolen caravans,” He continued.
“Our recent award for the best application of technology at the SWCCF is a ringing endorsement of our work and the fantastic team here in Chippenham.”
Of her visit, Donelan added: “It is really encouraging to see such an innovative organisation here in Chippenham and I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about NCC CRiS’ exciting plans going forward. The caravan industry is vital for the UK economy and I will be doing what I can to support its growth.
“Congratulations to Sean, Kelly and NCC CRiS’ hard-working team on their richly deserved award success.”
