Security of cycles...
We have been a club members since '95 started off with three caravans and now in third year in a van conversion motorhome. We have always felt secure and safe at the many sites we have visited in England, Scotland and a couple in Wales. However on August
Bank Holiday Monday we departed Braemar Invercauld on route to White Water Park, Stockton on Tees. We have stopped over at White Water on several occasions on the way North and South, we live in Devon but have family in Scotland. Our bikes were stolen off
the back of our motorhome in the White Water site sometime in the early morning on Tuesday. Sadly twelve caravan awnings had also been visited by the thieves we were told by the Police, and items removed, much to the horror of the sleeping occupants. Unfortunately
we were not told on arrival that the weekend before, a number of cycles had been already been stolen! Our insurance company would not cover our loss as our bikes were not immobilised, their words. £1500 to us. I thought secured on a Thule bike rack covered
with a bespoke canvas cover lashed down with nylon cord, in a secure place with CCTV and an electronic barrier would suffice!! Still what members should know is there are 3 classes of locks for bikes, Bronze up to £250, Silver up to £2500 and Gold up to £12k
I think. A good site to visit is Sold Secure who rate locking devices. Abus make very good locks and we have purchased two for our new bikes. A rule of thumb is spend 10% of the value of your bike on a lock. We have now! We always locked our bikes when we
were out cycling, but thought we would be safe on site. Now I always ask when paying at the reception if the site has experienced any problems with theft. This seems to raise a few eyebrows but if you don't ask, you don't know. I have since found out Peterborough
area suffered a spate of cycle thefts. It's not on our normal routes but many members visit the area I'm sure. So be careful lock up your kit and don't leave your gas BBQ in your awning! I hasn't put as off enjoying our trips but we will be more careful in
future. Take care and be vigilant.