How to check if a caravan is stolen before you buy it
Buying a caravan is an exciting time. Whether you’re scrolling through listings online or walking around grounds full of pre-loved caravans, it’s easy to get caught up in imagining the new holiday opportunities the caravan will bring. But don’t let this excitement cloud your judgment!
There are approximately 550,000 touring caravans in the UK (reported by The National Caravan Council), so the scope for theft is large. Between 2019 and 2022, less than a quarter (23%) of stolen caravans were recovered, meaning that the remaining stolen caravans have either been sold within the UK, shipped to other countries, or stripped for parts.
With the risk of unknowingly purchasing a stolen caravan very much prevalent, it’s important to take precautions to prevent falling victim to these scams.
The implications of buying a stolen caravan
Despite the obvious moral implications of purchasing a stolen caravan, there are other legal and financial risks.
A caravan identified as stolen can be seized by the police. Even if you were unaware that the caravan was stolen at the time of purchase, you will not be entitled to your money back or any other financial compensation as the legal ownership lies with the original owner. On top of this, you may also be liable for criminal charges. Legal fees and potential loss of deposits (if you’ve committed to further expenses like storage, maintenance, or insurance) can quickly add up.
Five steps to check whether a caravan is stolen
Never purchase a caravan without first seeing it in person. Before making the deal and paying the funds, follow these five precautionary steps to ensure the caravan has not been stolen and the seller has legal ownership.
Be cautious before and during the sale
Prioritise searching for a caravan through verified sites like Homestead Caravans, Grantham Caravans, or Beez Leisure. That’s not to say you need to avoid selling sites like Auto Trader, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, but take the time to look into the seller and gauge how trustworthy they are. Look for previous listings and reviews, and check how long their profile has been live. If a seller has an extensive list of caravans for sale without any indication of owning a garage or send-hand caravan business, this may be a red flag. Similarly, if a seller’s profile was only recently created and all they’ve ever listed is this one caravan, take caution.
Avoid cash-only deals and meet at the seller’s home or business, not a random location. Be wary of sellers who seem overly pushy, rude, or uninterested, such as being reluctant to answer any questions you may have about the caravan or trying to rush the sale through. And remember that while we’d all like to nab a bargain caravan deal, if the price seems too good to be true, it might be.
Inspect the VIN
Every caravan manufactured after 1992 has a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) assigned. The VIN should be etched on the caravan’s chassis, windows, and interior (usually near the door frame). Find and inspect these VINs and ensure they all match and show no signs of tampering.
You can contact the local police with the VIN to confirm whether it’s listed as stolen, however, there are easier ways to verify this without involving law enforcement.
Utilise the CRiS service
The Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) is the UK’s national database for caravans, and its online service can verify various details about a caravan, such as the name of the current registered keeper and whether it has been reported as stolen. It can also highlight any outstanding finance or if it has previously been written off.
You can check this information at CRiS.co.uk by inputting the caravan’s VIN. If the caravan was made before 1992 or built outside of the UK, you may still be able to use this service by providing alternative details.
While there is a fee to access the information, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Check the seller’s documents
Request any original documents from the seller, including the CRiS registration certificate and service history. Verify the seller’s ID and ensure it matches the ownership details.
Inspect the caravan for signs of tampering
Alongside checking for tampered VINs, inspect other areas of the caravan for signs of alteration. Damaged locks, doors, or windows may indicate that the caravan was previously broken into, potentially indicating theft. If the caravan’s branding appears inconsistent, this could also be a sign of theft. Thieves often interfere with parts of a stolen caravan, making it harder to identify and reducing the likelihood of the crime being detected. If you spot anything unusual or suspicious, do not progress with the sale.
As much as a comprehensive caravan insurance policy is designed to protect you and your caravan against a range of risks, it will not protect you from purchasing a stolen caravan. In fact, uncovering that your caravan was stolen will void your policy, and you will not be entitled to a refund.
Always take due diligence before purchasing a caravan to ensure the sale is legal and safe.
