Quote: Originally posted by joecroft2 on 27/11/2010
Why should you need to cut or burn the locks , if you go onto utube and type in tubular locks, the type fitted to most wheel clamps and locks they will show you a video of how to get the locks open , and they will also show you the tools that you need , which can be carried in your trouser pocket
How nice of you to point out how to get around wheel locks.
As others have said, all locks are at best only a deterrent. If someone wants it enough, they will have it. What the thieves want is a quick getaway, so anything you do to slow them down will probably make them look elsewhere, unless what you have is either very expensive or somehow unique. After all, they probably don't actually want the caravan, they want the money they can get for it.
I suspect a lot of the thieves will actually want it for themselves, if you know what I mean.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Said this for as long as I've had my van (which is only four years)
You can put all the fancy tracking systems and locks etc. but if someone wants your van, they will take it.
I saw a video someone posted on here a few years ago, a big twin axel was stolen in about four minutes, it too had axel locks, hitch lock and a post that could be raised in front of the van. They simply cut through all of the security features and towed it away.
Personally I think the best form of security is storing your van at a storage site.
I mean my van is only a Xplore 304, what's the point of breaking into a storage site only to steal a 304 when there are far more expensive vans only a few feet away.
Quote: Originally posted by shaggy2000 on 11/10/2018
Personally I think the best form of security is storing your van at a storage site.
I mean my van is only a Xplore 304, what's the point of breaking into a storage site only to steal a 304 when there are far more expensive vans only a few feet away.
Safety in numbers.
I agree, it's one reason why I pay a small premium for a Cassoa Gold site.
Most caravans have hitchlocks and wheel clamps fitted to them, which thieves are removing quickly and with ease. Trackers are also being found and deactivated. Alarms are being deactivated before they alarm.
CaSSOA storage sites are losing caravans on a weekly basis around the UK, which is going largely unreported! I am not kidding!
People are making claims about one security device or another being very secure and that thieves have not managed to remove them, but this is simply untrue. If the device is made from steel, it can be cut off in less than 10 seconds by an Oxy Acetylene torch.
People need to be aware that the security devices that is allowing them to sleep at night are not detering thieves, just opportunist amateurs!
It is not only the new caravans that are being stolen either or as you say, somehow unique. Everyone should be concerned.
Everyday another post goes up with a caravan stolen somewhere and some days, three or four!
Look at this 18 year old Sterling Eccles Amber that was stolen on the 1st of October this year. Hichlock and wheel clamps removed!!!!
My advice is to store your caravan empty of any valuables such as awnings ad items you will miss if your caravan is stolen, make sure your caravan is insured, making sure you have the devices fitted stipulated by the insurance and to make it more time consuming to steal the caravan by parking it towards a building or wall so it must be turned before it can be hitched up.
CCTV is of little use because thieves use fake number plates and wear hoods and hats to hide their identities.
Most thefts that are reported to the police, result in a crime number being issued and no police attendance. Less than 3% of stolen caravans are ever seen again!
When I read " It may work with some of the cheapest chimese locks, but milenco in another post have challenged people to do it to their locks. As far as I know they are still waiting.", I felt I had to say something. Thieves are not picking locks, they are simply cutting them off.
We use this ALKO Secure hitchlock and like to think it is a lot more secure than the flimsy ones seen on most caravans. Plus we have two Alko secure wheel locks and an active Phantom tracking device. We use a Gold Cassoa storage site and you need to go past the wardens home to access the compound.
Our concern is when out and about and using aCL or an campsite that has free access with no barrier or locking gate.
I have no doubt that you have taken your security seriously, but all steel devices can be removed quickly, irrespective of the lock quality.
Just take a look at this short video clip: Oxy Cutting
A few caravans have been taken from Gold Cassoa storage sites last month, which begs the question, should they lose their Gold Cassoa status once caravans have been stolen from them!!
The current organised crime gangs are deactivating the Phantom trackers too before they drive off with the stolen vans!
Quote: Originally posted by Steamerpoint on 12/10/2018
I have no doubt that you have taken your security seriously, but all steel devices can be removed quickly, irrespective of the lock quality.
Just take a look at this short video clip: Oxy Cutting
A few caravans have been taken from Gold Cassoa storage sites last month, which begs the question, should they lose their Gold Cassoa status once caravans have been stolen from them!!
The current organised crime gangs are deactivating the Phantom trackers too before they drive off with the stolen vans!
The moment the Phantom tracker is deactivated, the call centre is alerted.
Quote: Originally posted by madasaman on 13/10/2018
The moment the Phantom tracker is deactivated, the call centre is alerted.
How can they track it after?
I never said that they can track it after deactivation, but you are alerted that the tracker has been deactivated and the police will be notified.
Quote: Originally posted by madasaman on 13/10/2018
The moment the Phantom tracker is deactivated, the call centre is alerted.
How can they track it after?
I never said that they can track it after deactivation, but you are alerted that the tracker has been deactivated and the police will be notified.
So you now know your tracker has been deactivated, your caravan has been stolen, and the police have been informed. All that's left to do is call the insurance company and let them know, as you will probably never see the caravan again.
When the tracker on our motorhome was activated Phantom control centre rang me first,I had to confirm it wasn't a false alarm,and if it was genuine they told me to ring the police and obtain a crime reference no and then they would track the vehicle.
All well and good but I was 200 miles away at the time,luckily I got a neighbour to check it for me and it was a false alarm.
saxo1
Its a similar situation with home security, you can have all the fancy alarms, cameras etc, but if some scumbag wants into your home then nothing will stop them.
The best we can do is to deter the would be "have a go" scumbag and hope that we never have to phone the police telling them that our pride and joy has been stolen.
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Topic: Vans stolen with alko secure wheel clamp
