Stolen from drive – what happened next?

[Dorwyn]

As it will probably be an “organised gang crime” not just a couple of yocal locals
who will most likely have connections in other types of organised crime,therefore in my opinion it defintely needs stamping on .what about if dorwyn had disturbed them or tried to stop them…..then it might have progressed to a serious violent crime …………look how his life has been effected now struggling to get insurance and hasnt got his motorhome could be the end of his motorhoming hobby.
they are despicable to££ers

As I mentioned in a previous post, when we have a housefull of guests we often sleep in the van on the drive. That would have been horrific! Mind you, there was no thought of planning permissions, or insurance implications! Perish the thought!

 

[Crikey]

30% of all reported crimes in uk are violent crimes. It could be argued that these are the most important of crimes committed so should get the lions share of investigation. However the Police have a duty to investigate all crimes, it’s just a shame that house burglary or vehicle theft don’t seem to be very high on the list. Organised crime involved here is certainly more important than nicking a television from someone’s house.

 

[bilM]

I just say what I want without padding it in waffle.

So Jim lets you say what you want the last time I did that I was band from the U shaped lounge doesn't seem fair.

 

[dunnah01]

30% of all reported crimes in uk are violent crimes. It could be argued that these are the most important of crimes committed so should get the lions share of investigation. However the Police have a duty to investigate all crimes, it’s just a shame that house burglary or vehicle theft don’t seem to be very high on the list. Organised crime involved here is certainly more important than nicking a television from someone’s house.

30%! probably nearer to 5%

 

[Crikey]

30%! probably nearer to 5%

The figures I looked up said approx 2 mil violent crimes out of 6 mil of all reported crimes.

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[Dorwyn]

You do come across as ever so abrupt and rude on plenty of threads

No offence taken here. A man who speaks his mind whatever. Bless

 

[Otter Spotter]

So, it's been nearly 4 weeks since the theft, what's happened? Well, very little so far, no feed back from the underwriter, a little from the insurer. Tales of woe from them, van thefts are running at 3 times that of previous. They appear to be targeting vans in the £35-£45,000 region, on the basis that the more expensive vans have to be fitted with high-tech security devices. But to me, I wonder what difference a loud alarm makes against these brazen thugs. Having spoken with motorhome dealers, it is amazing the extent of this problem. One dealer says they were targeted by thieves who took 3 new unregistered motorhomes away on a large low loader. Apparently they were booked on a ferry a few hours later, and the vans were out of the country before the theft was discovered. They had cctv coverage, but the thieves wore gloves, masks, hats, were dressed in grey and so on, so the police had nothing to go on. The same dealer said that the thieves broke into a building near Bristol and took the country's main decoding device for Fiat/Citroen/Pugs. So vehicles that had previously been safe, were now no longer. This device was visible on the cctv, it was fairly heavy, inside a bag hanging on straps over the shoulder. Open the door, access the OBD port, read the main system and you have control of the van. It took seconds. I have heard many similar tales, and it makes you realise what you are up against. These guys are serious, if they want your van, they can take it. I have often thought how easy it is to get into a normal motorhome. With standard plastic windows, all it takes is a small jemmy or strong screwdriver, shove it into the corner, give it a twist and the windows pops open. Or a screwdriver in the drivers door keyhole. If there are chains, they come equipped with cutters. They can use powerful portable rechargeable tools where necessary. Basically, you are defenceless. The response I got from the police, was just that, no hope. They said the thieves would have come equipped with suitable cloned number plates, nothing to trip any ANPR devices, they'd have left going down country roads to avoid detection anyway. They said that there is little chance of them finding our van. The network of thieves involved is huge and they are well organised. I found that thoroughly demoralising.
I decided to buy a cheap runabout car, since after the theft we have no wheels. I thought I'd best go to my van insurer to continue the relationship. Obviously, you have to declare that there is an on going claim. They knew that anyway. Plus I had turned 80 just after the theft.To insure a simple basic runabout, he quoted something in the region of £1380 pa. Go elsewhere he said, we specialise in motorhomes and can't compete. So I went onto Go Compare and similar comparison websites. I got some reasonable quotes, and when I contacted the 3 lowest companies they each said, sorry, you don't match our profile. Ah, but I declared the age on the quote forms. We wouldn't have accepted you anyway, they said. In the end I went to a specialist company, they quoted just over £500. In spite of the fact that I have not made an insurance claim in more than 35 years. Apparently that has no bearing. The underwriter in my claim did say there would be a premium increase, so I asked the broker for a quote for the next van, to see if there was a motorhoming future for me. That was about £1100 pounds. So right now I feel I've had a thorough kicking. And also this is a warning to others who will undoubtedly suffer similarly.
Keep safe out there!

Did they say which ferry’s they are going on? Is it Ireland or Europe. It used to be that travellers would Nick caravans and they would be across the see to Ireland in short order.

 

[Dorwyn]

N
id they say which ferry’s they are going on? Is it Ireland or Europe. It used to be that travellers would Nick caravans and they would be across the see to Ireland in short order.

I've no idea. I assumed Europe, but as you suggest, Ireland being rhd, makes more sense. If you call that sense. I've been checking UK used van sales sites, perhaps I should look at the Irish sites. As long as that isn't racist!

 

[PDrill]

Dammit you have it wild over there. In here (Finland) we have next to none MH's/caravans stolen in a year, including privately rented and not returned.

 

[The general]

Did they say which ferry’s they are going on? Is it Ireland or Europe. It used to be that travellers would Nick caravans and they would be across the see to Ireland in short order.

Why don’t they stay there ?

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[Two Rivers]

On a recent habitation service they disconnected the battery and within minutes I had a phone call from Sargent tracking to ask if I was with my motor home, is everything OK. My point, Trackers work, well worth the money

 

[Coolcats]

So Jim lets you say what you want the last time I did that I was band from the U shaped lounge doesn't seem fair.

Me too I’ve been banned from the I shaped lounge as well

 

[westhamman]

Phil, how very dare you disagree with me, in fact you have hurt my feelings, is that a crime yet,wouldn't be surprised. My point is I have attended many a crime scene and followed up with victims of crime, in the long term I personally found victims of physical assault, robbery and burglary are the ones that are affected the worst by the crime, so think this where police activity should be aimed, when they get on top of that then you can carry out targeted operations on other matters. Through rose tinted glasses I look at my early years in the police, crimes were reported,criminals arrested,courts gave meaningful sentences. I can assure you all we were not perfect far from it but it was a different time.

 

[Simon Select]

So, it's been nearly 4 weeks since the theft, what's happened? Well, very little so far, no feed back from the underwriter, a little from the insurer. Tales of woe from them, van thefts are running at 3 times that of previous. They appear to be targeting vans in the £35-£45,000 region, on the basis that the more expensive vans have to be fitted with high-tech security devices. But to me, I wonder what difference a loud alarm makes against these brazen thugs. Having spoken with motorhome dealers, it is amazing the extent of this problem. One dealer says they were targeted by thieves who took 3 new unregistered motorhomes away on a large low loader. Apparently they were booked on a ferry a few hours later, and the vans were out of the country before the theft was discovered. They had cctv coverage, but the thieves wore gloves, masks, hats, were dressed in grey and so on, so the police had nothing to go on. The same dealer said that the thieves broke into a building near Bristol and took the country's main decoding device for Fiat/Citroen/Pugs. So vehicles that had previously been safe, were now no longer. This device was visible on the cctv, it was fairly heavy, inside a bag hanging on straps over the shoulder. Open the door, access the OBD port, read the main system and you have control of the van. It took seconds. I have heard many similar tales, and it makes you realise what you are up against. These guys are serious, if they want your van, they can take it. I have often thought how easy it is to get into a normal motorhome. With standard plastic windows, all it takes is a small jemmy or strong screwdriver, shove it into the corner, give it a twist and the windows pops open. Or a screwdriver in the drivers door keyhole. If there are chains, they come equipped with cutters. They can use powerful portable rechargeable tools where necessary. Basically, you are defenceless. The response I got from the police, was just that, no hope. They said the thieves would have come equipped with suitable cloned number plates, nothing to trip any ANPR devices, they'd have left going down country roads to avoid detection anyway. They said that there is little chance of them finding our van. The network of thieves involved is huge and they are well organised. I found that thoroughly demoralising.
I decided to buy a cheap runabout car, since after the theft we have no wheels. I thought I'd best go to my van insurer to continue the relationship. Obviously, you have to declare that there is an on going claim. They knew that anyway. Plus I had turned 80 just after the theft.To insure a simple basic runabout, he quoted something in the region of £1380 pa. Go elsewhere he said, we specialise in motorhomes and can't compete. So I went onto Go Compare and similar comparison websites. I got some reasonable quotes, and when I contacted the 3 lowest companies they each said, sorry, you don't match our profile. Ah, but I declared the age on the quote forms. We wouldn't have accepted you anyway, they said. In the end I went to a specialist company, they quoted just over £500. In spite of the fact that I have not made an insurance claim in more than 35 years. Apparently that has no bearing. The underwriter in my claim did say there would be a premium increase, so I asked the broker for a quote for the next van, to see if there was a motorhoming future for me. That was about £1100 pounds. So right now I feel I've had a thorough kicking. And also this is a warning to others who will undoubtedly suffer similarly.
Keep safe out there!

Dorwyn I have offered to help and liaise with your insurance company. I have also offered to give them an insurance valuation and challenge them to fair market value. You just need to speak to me!!!

 

[Bart]

Yes you've got to realise that the police is short of officers and are doing their best driving around the motorways or sitting in their cars on the side of the roads trying to catch the real criminals, the motorists.

This exactly

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[gus-lopez]

Sorry police should be targeting, burglaries, crimes of violence physical and sexual. I accept the upset of having a vehicle stolen but other crimes of violence need to come first.

Why? There should be zero tolerance for anything. Financial compensation? No it isn't. Nothing can put you back in the position you were 5 minutes before it happened. I do not want money I want them killed. I want to catch them in the act ,torture and kill them.
If the police aren't doing it then keep out of the way whilst we sort it ourselves as I don't buy a to bark myself.

 

[Dorwyn]

Dorwyn I have offered to help and liaise with your insurance company. I have also offered to give them an insurance valuation and challenge them to fair market value. You just need to speak to me!!!

Yes, you have, and it's much appreciated. I have no experience in this situation, so have no idea what should happen, and what to do. You tend to think that your insurance company is on your side, but of course now the roles have changed. They do not necessarily have my interests at heart. Could I phone you, or can we converse on here?

 

[Trev45]

Phil, how very dare you disagree with me, in fact you have hurt my feelings, is that a crime yet,wouldn't be surprised. My point is I have attended many a crime scene and followed up with victims of crime, in the long term I personally found victims of physical assault, robbery and burglary are the ones that are affected the worst by the crime, so think this where police activity should be aimed, when they get on top of that then you can carry out targeted operations on other matters. Through rose tinted glasses I look at my early years in the police, crimes were reported,criminals arrested,courts gave meaningful sentences. I can assure you all we were not perfect far from it but it was a different time.

Ah, the good old days . In 1971 the detection rate for Mid Anglia Constabulary [ now Cambridgeshire ] was 52.57%. All achieved without the assistance of CPS, DNA, CCTV . I've got a copy of the Chief Constables Annual report which makes fascinating reading mentioning five illegal Asian immigrants arrested having arrived by light aircraft on a disused airfield at Kimbolton . I bet they weren't put up in a hotel .

 

[stevewagner]

He'll get financial compensation. Victims of serious crimes won't.

There is a compensation scheme for victims of crime.

 

[Fraggle 22]

Quite often they DO catch them, but the CPS refuse to prosecute.

We had some scroats break into our 4wd some years ago and take the radio. Police told us they would be back in 3 weeks when we got a new radio. Car was in a barn next to the stables. Derek was very twitchy so was in the barn at 5am when he heard a high pitched squeal. Phone in hand he called the police who must have been outside as they arrived almost immediately. Another higher pitched squeal this time. We had put a cow strength electric fence round the perimeter which punched at 7 joules. Said scroat hid in a garden nearby til the police dog found him ooh another loud squeal. Later we found the base of a till stolen from a pub 30 miles away, thrown over the fence. The electric fence was not visible from the outside. Sonny boy had a lovely burn right across his palm which was yet another identifying mark. He of course was a regular but he did get 18mths so quite pleasing and some quite uncomfortable consequences. I like consequences

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[68c]

Cannot see an agricultural electric fence can leave a burn. Been hit by them many times, even as a younger lad peeing through a hedge onto a live fence. Bit of a wishful story maybe.....

 

[Fraggle 22]

Cannot see an agricultural electric fence can leave a burn. Been hit by them many times, even as a younger lad peeing through a hedge onto a live fence. Bit of a wishful story maybe.....

Absolutely not. He was gripping the cable for some time as he jumped over. In a usual situation you would let go as soon as you touched it. No wishful thinking

 

[stewartwebr]

It's about time the police targeted thefts of Motorhomes. Most of them will be going on a ferry and that is a natural bottleneck so why not launch an op to specifically check Motorhomes whilst at the ports?

Agree they must be going somewhere and there must be a market for them. The reason UK Motorhome insurance was always relatively cheaper than mainland Europe was because RHD attracted a lot less of an attraction to theft as the market to reset much smaller. Not sure if RHD would be very appealing and certainly a challenge to register in Europe...Australia, New Zealand perhaps...who knows. They may even be stripped just for spares.

 

[Viennese]

Let's face it, the rate of crime solving is very low, why? Not enough officers?
Just six per cent of all crimes resulted in a charge in the year to September 2021, equivalent to only one in 17 offences being solved, according to Home Office figures published on Thursday.27 Jan 2022.
Having also had a van stolen (years ago) I sympathise. Mine was an old Autosleepers Symphony, which got me £2k more than I paid for it because Saga insurance didn't have any way of valuing it apart from looking at selling prices.

 

[Fraggle 22]

Absolutely not. He was gripping the cable for some time as he jumped over. In a usual situation you would let go as soon as you touched it. No wishful thinking

As a sequel he disappeared forever a couple of years later driving a motorbike he'd just stolen at high speed into a lamppost
I think the flags went up at the cop shop.
The reason he was taking a shortcut through our garden was because we're in the centre of town and it was an easy way back to the estate he was born and bred into. His uncle of the same name is still around drug baron though. It was a quiet little market town when we moved there 42yrs ago very little crime and no drug. How times change - everywhere

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[gpat]

Quite often they DO catch them, but the CPS refuse to prosecute.

That's true. But that because they can't afford to waste time with a justice system that is so terribly burocratic.

 

[Dorwyn]

Well, today something happened! Day 29. I got an 8 am call from the police!! This is it, they've found it, I thought. No such luck. It was a follow up to say basically that they have found no trace of the missing van and hold out no hope of finding it, unless accidentally. But if the VIN or chassis number appears on the police register, they'll be on it immediately(ish). It's a small Comfort that they are aware of it, But still nothing from the insurers.

 

[Nigel P]

Sorry police should be targeting, burglaries, crimes of violence physical and sexual. I accept the upset of having a vehicle stolen but other crimes of violence need to come first.

I would imagine the ports police sections have very little in the way of burglaries to be busy with, their location is pretty much about vehicle related issues. The baddies may wear masks to commit the thefts but I am pretty sure they would need a passport and vehicle documentation to get out of the UK. Unfortunately in the world of resource problems the police probably see it as an easy option to pass it off as an insurance problem with little incentive to pursue the matters.

 

[Nigel P]

I suppose 'money talks' plays a part in some high profile stuff, an interesting read is the investigation into the Ecclestone burglary (plus others) where clearly one of the detectives was like a dog with a bone and managed to connect some quite tenuous threads. One of those threads was a typical criminal flaw, stupidity! I would imagine the average bobby is not encouraged to pursue much beyond the obvious.

 

[Otter Spotter]

Why don’t they stay there ?

Because as soon as they have swapped the plates and removed bins, they will sell them on to their mates who come back across the water to cause untold damage to land and property and the cycle starts again.

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