Birch Services M62

David Eagland
David Eagland Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited August 2018 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

BEWARE. Parked in the lorry park at Birch Services M62 (West bound), and went for a bite to eat. returned an hour later to find my caravan gone.

Fortunately the police found it within three hours, but according to staff this is no an isolated incident.

Please do not leave unsecured caravans at this service station.

 

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  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #2

    Don’t leave them unattended at any service area or unsecured anywhere!

    I'm glad you got it back so quickly.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited August 2018 #3

    We never leave our c/van unattended in services one goes to the loo and then  second goes to loo and brings drinks back to the vehicle,if you do have to leave it, put hitch lock on

    Glad yours was recovered

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #4

    Thanks for the warning but we have never left our caravan/car unattended anywhere as we've seen just how fast thieves are at having them away.

    I think you've been very lucky to get it back.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #5

    A timely reminder DavidE, glad to hear you got yours back.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #6

    It always worries me when I see car and caravan left unattended on a motorway service. Margaret goes off and gets the coffee and sandwiches whilst I stay in the motorhome. If I do see an unattended car/caravan I always try and keep an eye on it whilst I am there just in case.

    David

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2018 #7

    When someone comes to the unattended caravan are they the owners or thieves? innocent And if they're the thieves .... what's your action plan?

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #8

    For me it would depend on the circumstances. If they were casing the joint so to speak I would make it obvious that I was aware of their presence which might be enough to put them off. If I witnessed a car and caravan being unhitched and hitched to another car I would make a note of the registration and ring the police. What would you do?

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited August 2018 #9

    I certainly wouldn't step in myself .... too many nut jobs about

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #10

    There is a lot that can be done in such circumstances without getting physically or verbally involved, in most cases just an obvious presence like leaning on the cab of my motorhome observing what is going on might be enough for some people to think twice. Certainly would not suggest people get involved beyond what I have outlined. 

  • InaD
    InaD Club Member Posts: 1,701 ✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #11

    We're the same as those who have posted above, we never leave our MH unattended at any services; same when we had a caravan.  The problem is also if you have to park in between lorries, the outfit is not easily seen, or at least not as easy as when parking with other caravans/MHs, therefore possibly more scope for the scumbags of this world?  If the lorry drivers either side are having 40 winks, or in the restaurant, then there's nobody close by.

    Glad you got the caravan back so quick.

     

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