Tim Booth:
Leisure vehicle security and crime
Tim Booth of Tim Booth Consultancy Services Ltd was a police officer for 30 years. At the time of his retirement, he was a senior crime reduction officer.
We spoke to Tim about UK-wide caravan and motorhome thefts. He reported that many caravans fitted with alarms or tracking devices are left in storage with neither alarm, nor tracking device activated. On some occasions, he’s even found no hitch lock or clamp fitted (as storage site operators have advised that these are ‘not allowed’) and this could affect an individual’s insurance policy.
Thefts from storage sites are of particular concern with targeted crime. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicles regularly to make sure they’re still there. They are also advised to check that the battery is charged, keeping any alarm or tracker active. The use of robust security devices (Sold Secure Gold Approval) is encouraged in these sites to ensure you’re as protected as possible.
For motorhomes, Tim suggests considering additional security such as steering wheel locks, On-Board Diagnostics locks, or even a wheel clamp.
Key messages:
- Make sure your security device is correctly fitted and active.
- Regularly check a vehicle that's left for long periods in storage sites – check roof lights, windows, etc for signs of any weather damage.
- Keep the battery charged at all times.
- Inform your insurance company of any changes to storage location immediately.
Since stepping away from policing, Tim has been providing private consultancy support as a Specialist Security Advisor to the leisure industry.
