Security
Just had an attempt to steal my MH, smashed side window, gained access but couldn't start it. I want to visually deter thieves. What's best? A wheel clamp, if so which is best - I have an Eldiss Autoquest. A steering wheel lock, if so which is best?
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Hard luck.
A steering wheel lock is a great visual deterrent and harder for a thief to remove than a wheel clamp. I have an ancient one but people say the modern day Diskloks are good.
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Take the main battery out what thief is going to bring one with him
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If a thief wants to steal it they can bring a flat bed recovery truck and winch it on regardless of physical devices. Good reports of tracker devices that tell where it has gone.
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Taking the battery out of the current model Ducato located under the cab floor is a real faff.
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Agreed!
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Precisely Bill, I’ve got all the time in the world to faff about, a thief hasn’t, he wants to be gone in 60 seconds!
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I'm not sure there is one single item of security equipment or action that on it's own would prevent theft, although taking all 4 wheels off when not using it may be a good start......
We have 3 dusk to dawn security lights and 4 CCTV cameras pointing at it. It gets blocked in by two cars, each alarmed, at night, and we park it facing inwards so it would have to be reversed out, and the dog sleeps in the hall, with a glass panel adjacent to the front door so he can watch it. Any activity at all on the drive and he goes berserk...!! Further, the missus works from home and can see it all day.....
Might all be a bit much, but it works for us so far ( fingers crossed !).....
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Thanks for all of your replies, they're much appreciated.
It's on our front drive - so hopefully unlikely to be winched onto a flatbed truck - but you never know!
I've heard good reports of the https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-security/disklok-steering-lock-silver-small-743849.html so will get one of those once I've checked the size of my steering wheel [Peugot Boxer base]. I'll also look at how easy it is to remove the battery which is under the passenger footwell floor panel - I agree this will help stop them actually stealing it, but not a deterrent to breaking into it, for that I may still get a wheel clamp. I've been recommended by the police to ensure it's a B.S. rated one - any recommendations of which?
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I had a Land Rover stolen from a hospital car park despite having a steering wheel cover/clamp fitted. It was winched onto a recovery truck as shown in the CCTV.
An alarm relies on you, or someone else, taking action as a result of the alert. So that's OK if you think that you rushing out will deter the gang of thugs into stopping their actions - though on the other hand it may only result in personal injury.
It all depends on whether one is trying to protect one's property from the occasional opportunistic thief, or an organised gang stealing vehicles to order.
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A visual deterrent🤷🏻♂️🤔
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Check out the clubs security info re Sold Secure for caravans. Caravan or MH makes no difference.
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/taking-care-of-your-outfit/caravan-security/
Ultimately, make sure you have a good insurance policy and don't leave anything in the van that you couldn’t bear to lose.
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We have a Disklok and its easy to use when going to supermarket etc. Also alarm with visible flashing light as well as a tracker which of course is invisible but if van is moved or battery removed etc. it will alert the tracker company (Vodafone) who will contact us and they can also stop the engine remotely.
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Thanks.
I've fitted a Disklok now and beefed up the security lighting on my drive - have the police coming to suggest any further property security measures. Any recommended brands for a wheel clamp?
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We have a concreted in security post that is locked with a padlock, with not enough room to get around it. Also a steering lock and the usual lights alarms and a dog!!
It's also out of sight form the road, but know that's not possible for everyone.
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Absolutely right - I was just going to post the same comment. Very much an impractical solution I fear.
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I’d go for a steering lock, and a pedal clamp. The last thing a thief will want as well is a lot of noise. A simple device like a personal attack alarm, carefully positioned to go off if disturbed might be useful. We use two such on our bikes when left on back of our MH overnight on Site. Loud enough to wake the whole camp if they go off, or the neighbours at home.
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Unless the thieves are intending to steal anything from the interior, a wheel clamp would be a good indicator on the outside to hopefully deter them from breaking in initially.....
If they're 'pros' they'll still come equipped but for the 'chancer' it may make them look for an easier option.....
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Thanks. Good idea re. the pedal clamp. Had an ex Met policeman who now advises on home security out yesterday and he recommended the same thing - one of these 'Car Stainless Brake Clutch Pedal Lock Steering Wheel Lock Security Anti-Theft', and yes I'm going to get a wheel clamp - but does anyone have a particular one to recommend??
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Thanks!
The habitation door was also damaged in the attempt to steal - it's now buckled in the middle and the repairer say's it'll be very difficult and expensive [circa £2-3k] to find a replacement. Does anyone have any advice re. sourcing such a part for an 2013 Eldiss Autoquest?
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Won't your insurers sort the door issue for you?
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I hope so. I think the repairer is simply saying he's unlikely to source the door.
Maybe I should contact Eldiss?
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