New VIN Chip adds extra security for caravanners for summer and beyond
The National Caravan Council (NCC) has introduced a new and improved theft deterrent for touring caravans in an attempt to deter criminals from stealing touring caravans this summer.
The new and improved theft deterrent and identification system, known as VIN chip will also aid the identification and recovery of stolen touring caravans and will be introduced across all new NCC member caravan ranges.
VIN Chip is unique as it uses both visible and invisible markings featuring a specific 17 digit VIN which will be carried on windows and gas lockers utilising tamper evident display stickers in a bid to deter criminals. VIN will feature will also contain hidden electronic RFID chips that are traceable by the Police for identification and recovery of stolen touring caravans.
In another move to eradicate theft, Quick Response (QR) codes will also be present on Master and Gas Bottle VIN Chip labels, allowing anyone to quickly confirm a caravan’s identity on their smartphone. With data pulled directly from NCC CRiS, each QR code will contain a caravan’s distinct VIN and, by scanning it, will reveal the caravan’s true status, detailing make, model and range.
VIN Chip improves upon RFID chips and scanners by contributing to an improved read range for law enforcement agencies, allowing the chips to be read up to three metres when compared to previous restrictions of just one metre.
Managing director of NCC CRiS, Sean Bailey, said of the new security initiative: “As NCC CRiS continues its work to reduce caravan crime VIN Chip has been launched to make revealing a caravan’s true identity easier, and better deter criminals. We’ve made use of modern technology, such as QR codes, to make VIN Chip the leader in its field.”
Bailey added that the VIN chip is the only security deterrent to carry a unique 17 digit VIN numbers whilst remaining part of the already established NCC CRiS scheme which has so far proven an unparalleled success when it comes to combatting caravan crime.
“We’ve also spent considerable time briefing and training the Police and 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.
Consumers will see VIN Chip markings on new 2016 touring caravan models appearing on dealer forecourts in August 2015 and, from September, more information on VIN Chip can be found via the official NCC CRiS website here or by calling 0203 282 1000.
You can also get the chance to see the new upgraded security system at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, taking place at Birmingham’s NEC between 13 – 18 October.
