Dunmow Central

Update

Now that the Summer is approaching, some of you will be taking your caravans out for your holidays. Unfortunately, caravans and their contents are a popular target for criminals and many caravans are stolen each year from sites, their owner’s driveways and even the roadside. A thief is quick to seize any chance you give him. Deterring most thieves can be simple and inexpensive. Start by making sure that your caravan cannot be towed away.
The towbar is the first thing a thief will look at. If it is not locked into a cover, he can hitch your caravan to his vehicle and tow it away. A hitchlock is a simple and effective deterrent. Various types are available, but if you use a padlock make sure it has an enclosed shackle so that it cannot be cut.
Make sure the corner legs cannot be wound up by locking each one firmly in position with a clamp or padlock.
Because the gas cylinders are kept outside the caravan, they are a favourite target for thieves, so make sure they are padlocked in place.
Wheel clamps can also be used to prevent the caravan being towed away both at home on your drive or on site.
If your caravan is going to be parked for long periods when not in use, it is a good idea to remove the wheels completely to prevent it being towed away.
If thieves are unable to steal your caravan they may break into it to steal the contents.
Protect your caravan and contents as you would your home. Always lock all windows and doors when you leave it. For added security fit a good quality deadlock to the door. This type of lock can only be opened with a key so even if they break the window in the door they will be unable to gain entry.
Alarms are now available for caravans and are an excellent means of frightening away a thief or alerting you that it being attacked.
Police recover many stolen caravans each year, but it is often difficult to return it to the rightful owner because chassis numbers and other identifying marks will have been removed.
We recommend that you have your postcode etched or engraved on all the windows on your caravan. If it is then stolen and subsequently recovered it makes it easier for us to return it. Also, a thief may think twice about stealing it if he then has to replace all the windows.
You can also deter a potential thief by marking fixtures and other contents with your postcode by engraving or with a security marker pen.
By employing a few simple crime prevention measures such as these you can deter a thief from stealing your caravan.

Are You Interested in Neighbourhood Watch?

Neighbourhood Watch is the biggest and most successful Crime Prevention initiative in the UK. Behind it lies a simple idea that standing together makes communities stronger in the face of crime. This central value is shared by millions of people around the country.

Of course it is the responsibility of the Police Force to monitor and fight crime; however they can be far more effective in doing so with your help. Neighbourhood Watch is a voluntary organisation which works in active partnership with the Police. Neighbourhood Watch Schemes can:

• Cut crime and the opportunities for crime
• Advise on how to protect yourself and your property
• Help and reassure those who live in fear of crime
• Encourage neighbourliness and closer communities
• Assist in protecting the vulnerable against crimes and hard selling.

Neighbourhood Watch is not just concerned with reducing crime figures – it’s about helping to create communities who care. It helps local people, young and old, to stand together and can make a real contribution to improving the quality of life in your neighbourhood.

The activity of Watch members can foster a new Community Spirit and belief in the community’s ability to tackle problems in partnership with the Police, Local Council and Businesses.

Other benefits include regular Crime Prevention updates to help keep your home and belongings safe, plus the extra security which belonging to a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme offers, means that you can often get a premium discount on your home insurance.

If you are interested in becoming involved in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, please contact:
Peter Caulfield, Watch Administrator,
Saffron Walden Police Station, East Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1LX

Tel: 101. Ext: 395387. Email: Peter.Caulfield@essex.pnn.police.uk