Camping in Europe

There are literally hundreds of caravan security devices on the market to make your caravan secure on a camp site. Some are better than others, none will make your caravan totally thief proof but all will tend to make the thief think twice bout stealing your caravan. As with most things in the world you get what you pay for. We advise buying the best you can afford and make sure the thief knows the device is fitted. Bright paint helps and so do the stickers usually supplied with security items. Security devices with a Sold Secure logo on them have been independently tested as being suitable for caravans and trailers. Both The Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Club hold an up-to-date list of Sold Secure approved security products.

HITCH LOCKS
Hitch locks provide a reasonable degree of protection from the opportunist thief. Get one that is manufactured from heavy steel to cover the tow socket fixing bolts. Make sure it has a good lock. Some hitch locks can lock the caravan to the car but ensure it is unlocked when you are actually towing.
Use them on site when Camping in Europe or at short stops. They do not, by themselves, generally offer sufficient security for when the caravan is in storage.
WHEEL CLAMPS
Wheel clamps come in all sorts of qualities. It is a sad fact that generally the easier they are to put on the easier they are for a thief to remove. Buy a good clamp and check that it fits your caravan. With some wheel clamps a clever thief can remove the wheel and the clamp with it.
WHEEL STANDS
If you think that taking the wheels off your caravan will stop caravan thieves you don't know how tenacious this nasty breed can be. But wheel stands can be a good deterrent, if you make sure they are locked in place. You should check with your insurers that they are happy to let you keep the van on wheel stands.
Sometimes policies call for the van to be fitted with a wheel clamp at all times. Also check in your handbook, some chassis manufacturers recommend axle stands for winter storage.
SECURITY POSTS
Particularly useful for those who keep their caravan on the drive at home are security posts, which are cemented into the drive and physically block removal of the caravan. Some are fitted with a towball on top of the post so that the caravan can be fixed with a hitch lock. Others are detachable or can fold down so that he caravan can be manoeuvred into position and the post or posts fitted in front of it.

This article was provided on behalf of the Camping and Caravanning Club

Pikes Oak Farm Nurseries in Widmerpool, Nottinghamshire, today became the 1300th site to join The Camping and Caravanning Club's network of smaller, privately owned sites - commonly known as Certificated Sites or CSs.

Surrounded by two acres of woodland, with a stunning fishing lake, Pikes Oak Farm Nurseries offers complete relaxation and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set in a peaceful area, this site looks set to be yet another 'little treasure' for The Club's 450,000 members.

Certificated Sites - member only, smaller, often secluded camp sites, are a popular choice for those really looking to get away from it all - as often it will be just you and the view. These sites can hold up to five caravans or motorhomes, and as many tents as space permits. They can be based anywhere, from farms to public houses, and are often situated in scenic areas.

To become a Certificated Site, the land needs to have safe access from the public highway, a level and well drained camping area of at least ½ acre, safe drinking water and a chemical disposal point with separate water supply as standard, however some sites do choose to develop themselves to include an electricity supply, and even saunas in some cases!

Eric Bolderson, Chairman of The Camping and Caravanning Club's Exempted Camping Committee, says: "We welcome Pikes Oak to the network, and are sure that this site will be yet another success story. Certificated Sites are available all over the UK, so you can travel as near or as far as you want. These sites offer a friendly, personal experience and often unrivalled surroundings.

"We are really proud to have reached 1300 Certificated Sites, as these are becoming increasingly popular with members who are looking for something a little different from their camping experience."

Certificated Sites are a Club member benefit, alongside discount on Club Sites and great deals on products like insurance, overseas travel and great monthly publications. You can view all 1300 Certificated Sites by using The Camping and Caravanning Club's SiteSeeker® facility.