LOCATION

Proximity to your home is not the only aspects of the site’s location you should consider. The best sites are situated discretely ‘out of the way’, avoiding main roads and passing traffic. If your caravan isn’t visible, the chances are potential thieves won’t even know it’s there.

 

SECURE FENCING

Shabby or damaged fencing around a caravan storage site should be a concern. Tall (2.4m high), metal palisade fencing is the preferred option.

 

SPACING BETWEEN THE FENCE AND CARAVAN

Caravans backed right up to the fence should be avoided if possible. This practice will obscure CCTV, offering thieves an opportunity to target your caravan out of sight. A good storage site will have a perimeter track to keep extra distance between the fence and its pitches.

 

FIRE PREVENTION EQUIPMENT

Not all risks come from thieves and vandals and accidents can happen. If a fire occurs, there should be easily accessible equipment not only to raise the alarm, but to combat the fire as well. Hand-cranked alarm bells and multiple fire extinguishers should be present throughout a storage site.

 

HD CCTV

Enhanced CCTV serves two purposes. Firstly, it allows the site owners to monitor the facility to make sure all is well. Secondly, if the worst happens, good CCTV will provide the police with clear and crisp imagery of the offenders and will be compelling evidence to insurance companies should you need to make a claim.

 

ELECTRONIC TAG SYSTEM

Rather than relying on handwritten records and electronic tag system keeps movement records instantly updated. This enables the site owners to track activity; when a certain person and unit entered or left the site and how many outfits are currently onsite at any one time.

 

SET SPACING REQUIREMENTS

Keeping a safe distance between pitches serves multiple purposes. It enables an outfit to be moved in and out with ease. The chances of a collision are minimised. Correct spacing also helps in case a fire should start as it will reduce the risk of it spreading to neighbouring outfits.

 

AIRLOCK GATES

While a robust entrance gate is a must, the presence of ‘airlock’ gates is far more desirable. Entry is via the first gate, which should close before the second gate is opened. This creates a secure space between the outside of the compound and the interior storage.

 

STAFF ON SITE

Having CCTV installed but no staff around to watch it is counter-productive. Enquire whether the owners or security personnel are permanently on site. This is especially important after dark.

 

MONITORING ON AND OFF SITE

Should the worst happen, check the storage site is monitored on and off site. This enables a quicker response, increasing the chances of recovering the unit should it be taken from the storage facility.