Despite having one of the highest caravan densities in Europe, the Lincolnshire coast is one of the safest areas to own a holiday home. It looks as though things are about to get even safer thanks to the continuation of the Lincolnshire coast’s Caravan Park Watch scheme, which hopes to further improve safety measures this winter as summer finally comes to a close.
Policies implemented within the scheme, including compulsory removal of valuables from caravans, as well as the disclosure of information concerning people involved in burglaries, have continued to contribute to the area’s diminishing crime rates since the scheme launched. Last winter saw a 45 per cent drop in crime thanks to the Caravan Park Watch scheme.
Andy Morrice, coast inspector, said: “We have shown that bringing together everyone involved in the industry, such as holiday parks, insurance companies, and caravan manufacturers, and forming a close working partnership with local police, outstanding success can be achieved for the benefit of the community, local businesses and the tourism economy.”
Follow these tips from Lincolnshire Caravan Watch to ensure you do everything you can to keep your caravan safe this winter period:
1. Remove all valuables from your caravan, especially flat screen TVs – games consoles and DVD players. Do not be tempted to leave them under the bed, or in a cupboard, thieves will find them.
2. Leave all curtains open and remove net curtains. Make it clear to would be thieves, there is nothing worth stealing.
3. Leave cupboard doors open, strip bedding and DO NOT pile items in the middle of the floor. Make it clear to a would-be thief that there is nothing of value, in or under anything!
4. Ensure that all your contact details are up to date at the site office.
5. Place valuables removed signs on your caravan windows.
6. Ensure all your windows are locked and if possible cable tie the handles.
7. Remove all valuable equipment from your shed or store, especially fishing equipment and bikes. Consider leaving these unlocked, so would be thieves can see there is nothing in, without damaging anything to find out.
8. Wipe down all surfaces and windows, police then know any fingerprints are new.
9. Leave a sheet of paper inside the doorways when you finally lock up. Footprints on the paper can be used to help trace offenders.
10. Use a UV pen to mark any property left behind and register all your property at immobilise.com for FREE! If police can prove it’s yours, they have more chance of prosecuting those now in possession of it.
