Towergate Bakers, one of the insurers I got a quote from say they can give a 10% discount for the SmartWater Security System, not all do. I have spoken to the company representative about what type to use for a caravan and was told that the car one would suffice, its about £36 for that kit and it seamed reasonable if ongoing outlay to protect my van. The deterent value of the 4 stickers in the kit must be worth something.
How many out there have used it and would they recommend it?
Just read about it on the website. Isn't there a risk of accidentally activating the system and spraying yourself? I wonder how many opportunist thieves have even heard of Smart-Water? And catching one contaminated with it is reliant upon the thief being caught. Unfortunately, all thieves do not behave in a manner to draw attention to themselves when not "up to their tricks". It would certainly have to be an additional backup for conventional security devices such as hitchlocks, wheel clamps, etc.
The C.C. insurance scheme demands a minimum of one device; hitchlock or wheel clamp. We use both.
What I have changed (C.C. insurance approved) is to replace our Bulldog wheel clamp with a Thatcham-approved chain and lock. This has a hefty attack-resistant padlock and the sleeved chain has links of 12mm square, hardened steel. It is no hevier than the Bulldog clamp, and stows much more easily. Being flexible, it would be more difficult to work on to cut than a clamp more or less rigidly held by the wheel.
The caravan also has an alarm. If anything, I think I would add an extra alarm; attracting attention being the best deterrent for immediately backing off.
I think it's the first time I've heard of it, you are probably right about the value of the stickers, providing you are in an area that polices SmartWater.
Hi Bertie, The kit that I was looking at doesn't spray any of the liquid, its painted on. Preferably into nooks and cranniess where it can be detected but is difficult or impossible to remove. Each batch of liquid has a unique forensic code registered to the owner.
the normal smart water is just a tracer, its a permanant meands of marking your propert to make sure it gets back to you.
its only anygood if they actually find the kit. although it is nigh on impossible to remove without damaging anything.
its a paint on-liquid, which dries clear containing a code that is registered to its owner. this is detected with a UV lamp to retrieve the ID info.
its a good deterrent, the bottle will do you more than you needs, you can keep it, and buy extra stickers etc, keeps for a really long time (out bottle at wpork is 4 years old and still usable, not gone off in the slightest.
Check with your local Police, ours gave the kits away free.
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What happens when you come to sell the caravan? This kind of thing is great for something that you're likely to keep forever, such as an heirloom, or something that you'll keep until it breaks, such as a TV set, but a caravan?
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Re-register - sounds like another annual fee. Problem is, van or property, the police have got to trace van/property before they can check it, and culprit before they can link him/her to the crime.
Where a van is entered for propery theft, you can have cover via home insurance, and entry damage to van is likely to be the greatest cost. If the van itself is stolen, most owners seem to hope never to see it again and claim on the insurance.
On this basis, adequate insurance cover and good anti-theft devices (wheel/hitch locks and alarm seem to be the most popular. There are so many proprietary anti-theft devices on the market; where do you stop? Whilst taking sensible precautions, it is wise to remember that those marketing these devices rely our fear to promote their sales. The more scared we become, the greater their income.
My insurance co won't recognise a thatham cat 3 chain & lock ( chain is 15mm square link) because it's not fitted to a anchor point on ground, which is impossible in storage or on site.thought they would recognise any thatham approved systems. Still use along with other items.insurance is caravan guard. Will be looking for another co when up for renewal
Blimey, must be getting near the record for a resurrected old post - 14.5 years since last contribution!
As to your chain, how and where do you fit it?
To be any kind of effective security, it needs to STOP wheel rotation, or STOP coupling of hitch, OR anchor structural part of caravan (Chassis!) to a fixed secure anchor point. If a wheel lock, it also needs to prevent removal/substitution of the secured wheel to be of any worth. Not sure I see how a chain can be fitted/effective unless used to anchor to a fixed point. Doesn't matter how 'secure' the chain/lock itself is if it doesn't achieve one of the above. Think I see your insurers point of view.
For the cost of a Cat 3 chain/lock, far better, more convenient, wheel clamps can be had, and often meet insurance company requirements and attract a premium discount.
NONE of the security devices truly prevent a determined thief, they just prove an inconvenience to a thief and add time to how long it takes them to steal the protected unit. Seem to recall not so long ago, a dealer having a caravan stolen off a forecourt with hitch and wheel lock left in place (act caught on CCTV) - thieves just winched it onto a low loader and were away in no time! The hitch was bypassed with a chain on A frame, the 'locked' non-rotating wheel just dragged across the ground! Security devices can be removed at their leisure when away from high risk areas. Most security devices can be removed in seconds with the right tools, and the very best only resist for minutes! Security devices really only deter 'casual' theft, or drive more determined thieves towards easier pickings if available. That said, not without merit, they are a deterrent, often required by insurers, and even get premium discounts for the higher security versions.
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Topic: SmartWater, what do you recon?
via mobile 19/10/2024 at 8:08am
