I feel gutted for you Scott, and I remember your postings around the time you purchased it (me being a Burstner owner too). I breath a sigh of relief when we go to the farm to collect our van and see it there and I can't imagine the anger I would feel if it was stolen. The lengths you went to with security too - is there nothing that can prevent caravans from being stolen?
With regards to having trackers fitted, whether or not the van is returned in a good state or not, it would make me feel much better knowing the thieves were caught, and a tracker surely must help with this. Pity the cost of having it makes us think twice about having one.
Anyway, hope you recover from the upset soon and then maybe you will come round to the idea of caravanning again.
Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 07/9/2007
I guess that's why you pay extra for Cassoa Gold
Same here, Gutting for Scott though. Hope things get sorted for you soon and you can find somewhere more secure, professionally manned and CCTV, Gates etc if you do decide to get another
Very sorry to hear your news Scott. I see you live in Surrey, me too. Scary really as we are supposed to live in one of the 'safest' parts of the country!!
Have a good think before you give up on caravanning - don't let the b.....ds who nicked it make you change your lifestyle!!
***Steven if you saw my post on the main forum about there being just 4 policemen on duty in a town with a known violence problem on a Saturday night and with 45,000 odd inhabitants is it any wonder? They don't have the resources, it is a joke. We reported clear and deep footprints entering our property after an attempted break in of our shed, nobody turned up. ***
if you want over policing went to the supermarket yesterday and 3 police cars come zooming in lights flashing 6 cops jump out run in to the shop the crime 1 yes ONE shop lifter stealing 2 joints of cheep meat your house gets burgled or in poor scotts case your pride and joy gets stolen and its a joke the laws an ass and criminals laugh in the face of justice keep a base ball bat by the bed i do and would not hesitate to use it to protect my family
Yeh, the whole Police and response issue is a hot topic. I personally think its a joke, especially the response I got from the forensics team who have not even fingerprinted the gate.
Anyway, just filled out the claims form, printed off a shed load of docs and receipts and sent them over. I also found out one of the alarms was gold secure, I am thinking gold in ref to the fact its easily disabled with a hammer. But then again, if there was 4 people involved, they would have had time to look under the caravan, and see all the alarms.
The wife wont even look at a caravan. I dont even want to look at the latest Practical Caravan mag then came through the post on Saturday.
The wife though is keen to possibly get a static on a nice family site with loads of facilities. Rent out half the time to help with costs. Atleast the kids get somewhere to go and have fun. We loose the flexibilty of going where we want but at least no bugger is going to try and tow one of them away. May get broken into I suppose though.
Broken into, trashed by people who don't care because it isn't their van Scott. I can see a lot of draw backs with a static including initial purchase price, fickle site owners who can move your unit/insist it is removed at X age/up the ground rent etc at a whim. I'd tread very carefully. To be honest you would be better off renting one or a cottage wherever you want to go each year.
My neighbours have a static van and have had bad experiences with letting (trashed etc) plus their ground rent is hefty. Sounds like a good idea and had considered it as a source of income but decided against it.
Yeh, I am currently doing my research. Mind you, going for a second hand van, cheapest I can get with 3 beds. Will have age restriction on letting, plus we are going into it with inlaws so only plan on renting for like 6 - 8 weeks a year to help with costs.
So far can only find one forum for advice but looking.
Tried that, wife not interested. Too much grief and too many tears she has spelt. The in-laws who also have a caravan are now also selling there. Bloady shame, I cannot even get her to look at motorhomes. Too be honest, I dont blame her, fillimg out the forms today with it being not so long after the last claim was very painful.
I do sometimes wonder when you hear of caravans being stolen from secure storage if it is an inside job or someone like a disgruntled ex-employee who knows their way round the security. Just a thought.
Yeh, the storage owners have a inkling that maybe someone else is involved as they were seen washing there van early on in the day which they have never done before.
Cannot prove anything and the police have now closed the case fully. Now I have to deal with the insurance company and there grief.
Quote: Originally posted by slewis1972 on 11/9/2007
Yeh, the storage owners have a inkling that maybe someone else is involved as they were seen washing there van early on in the day which they have never done before.
Cannot prove anything and the police have now closed the case fully. Now I have to deal with the insurance company and there grief.
Quote: Originally posted by slewis1972 on 11/9/2007
Yeh, the storage owners have a inkling that maybe someone else is involved as they were seen washing there van early on in the day which they have never done before.
Cannot prove anything and the police have now closed the case fully. Now I have to deal with the insurance company and there grief.
Scott
Nail being hit on head?
How do you think they evaded aerial detection so quickly? I would guess it was hidden under cover very locally. Only moved out when the dust had settled, (or is it still there)?
Another poster suggested buying an older, less desirable van, probably true. Maybe manufacturers ought to design their "new" vans to look old on the outside?
Actually I feel that the manufacturers are just not doing their bit to stop theft, why should a new owners first shopping list items always include wheel clamps, hitch locks and alarms? They should ALL be built in. For example, its not hard to design an interlock system on the axle to prevent any movement at the wheels.
Quote: Originally posted by slewis1972 on 11/9/2007
Yeh, the storage owners have a inkling that maybe someone else is involved as they were seen washing there van early on in the day which they have never done before.
Cannot prove anything and the police have now closed the case fully. Now I have to deal with the insurance company and there grief.
Scott
Nail being hit on head?
How do you think they evaded aerial detection so quickly? I would guess it was hidden under cover very locally. Only moved out when the dust had settled, (or is it still there)?
Another poster suggested buying an older, less desirable van, probably true. Maybe manufacturers ought to design their "new" vans to look old on the outside?
Actually I feel that the manufacturers are just not doing their bit to stop theft, why should a new owners first shopping list items always include wheel clamps, hitch locks and alarms? They should ALL be built in. For example, its not hard to design an interlock system on the axle to prevent any movement at the wheels.
Steve
The police recovered the stolen caravan from a gypsy site, info on this thread :
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Well, giving up caravaning if....
