What happens if you buy a stolen caravan

They don't take houses away do they? Their portable equipment is high tech. And the police do sometimes "get it wrong". You can cooperate with the police without being treated like a serf; having to bow and doff your cap, etc. Cooperation does not require a forfeiture of your basic rights to due consideration towards your feelings. Assuming that the van wasn't stolen at any time, I am trying to imagine what criminal evidence it could be hiding. Was someone murdered in it?

Was it used to store stolen goods? As I said before, any connection to a crime can be detected by in situ examination. Also, in legal parlance, "any evidence would by now most likely have been contaminated by subsequent owners, and not admissible as evidence".

It's not a case of taking anything personally, or the need for a chill pill, although if certain people are finding my comments in support of the police and justice a little hard to take then perhaps they needed to be said! The only reason I have gone on at length regarding this issue is because at the very beginning of the topic we were informed that a member here had found themselves in possession of a caravan which, as a result of being contacted by the police, they believed may have been a stolen one, and the request basically was for help on how to stop the police taking it away.

That person believed they had stolen property in their possession which could, in certain circumstances, have resulted in their arrest and detention at a police station, and the seizure of the caravan, until the circumstances of their possession of it could be verified and their innocence proven.

This was followed by misinformed comments that the police could not take it away etc; and very misinformed advice and encouragement not to cooperate with the police which could have landed that member in very serious trouble.

My comments were and continued to be, questioned, and I therefore tried to explain in as easy terms as possible the laws, rules, and regulations in relation to the police and in particular in relation to the seizing of property You are right Mike and Jen. They didn't actually ask that question. However it became apparent that Mark and Sherry's main concern was that they were going to have their van taken away.

They spoke of removing the cushions Some good advice was given originally, including lengthy advice from me regarding police powers and procedures but they chose to go to the dealer the very man who sold them the dodgy van!

Possibly as a result of one or two other's misinformed advice they spoke of not taking the hitch lock key to the storage etc. I interjected because deliberately trying to obstruct the police in that way was wrong and could have got them into a lot of trouble. My comments have been endorsored by the caravan club I believe. But what rattled my cage more than anything is that when a caravan is stolen there is a victim and a loser.

It is obviously sold on, and the person buying it may or may not know or believe it to be stolen but he is first in the chain of subsequent handlers of the stolen property. It could be your caravan The initial question through up the possibility this was some sort of criminal scam, answers then lent toward hanging on to the van until there was not doubt as to who was asking to take it away. The answer to that question was some time coming and in the mean time the thread went off at something of a tangent, which you duly tried to keep on track Bob.

However in doing so you were pointing out how helpless we innocents seem to be in the face of an all powerful police. This got my back up as it would seem others, not against you but the state we live in, seemed to me they would be better off admitting something they have nothing to do with and by so doing get a free lawyer to fight their corner!! The crucks of the end of this is why then take the van away? The one other reason I can think of is something else you have touched on Bob, and that is this van may just belong to someone else whose dreams have also been smashed by it's theft.

It strikes me the police would be equally insensitive to them if they expected them to identify 'their' van on the current 'owners' drive? Just to clear a point. My later comments are based upon the fact that CRIS are stated to have confirmed that the van has not been stolen. So I repeat if the van is not, and has never been, stolen property, then the police have more than enough portable, high tech.

And this would indicate that no previous owner is going to be embarrassed by having to identify the van on the current owners' territory, because the identity of the van is already known. In these circumstances, their taking the van away would be pointless, and only add to the trauma already being experienced by Sherry and Mark. Good luck Mark and Shelley hope it turns out to be something or nothing and are back on the road very soon!

I just hope Mark and Shelley have this resolved and that there has been some mistake and the van is genuinely theirs. Dunno, I bet they don't - I handed in an answer machine tape to Dorset police some 10 years ago as I had a pervert call recorded on it and I haven't seen it to this day, they weren't cheap back then either!! I have to agree with Bob's input so far, but so far we have been looking down the posibilities of theft and not picked up on his suggestion that it might not be that simple.

The investigation could be about cloning. Has anyone considered that this caravan may have been or is cloned? CRIS would not know, they just have a ref number that turns out to be legit.

If the Police are aware of this they will want to do some serious checking with equipment that can't easily be transported around the country. Only a thought but this might not be about a 'simple' theft. If it has been cloned the police will want to prove it is the original, which will be of enourmous benefit to the current owners - thus protecting and confirming their 'dreams' not ruining them.

Best of luck. Puppy Patrol it was an interesting tape I can tell ya, there was no doubt what was going on his end that's for sure! He made over such calls apparently so he probably has RSI by now Not much more can be said, except that I sincerely hope Sherry and Mark get a happy ending to this saga. To make that complete, if it has to be taken away for examination, I also hope that the police show due regards to what is someone's costly investment, and return it ASAP, and without any damage.

I would not hold my breath for compensation the site where I work was closed for 3 weeks when parts of a body where found our area manager asked for compensation due to loss off buissness and was told if he pushed for compensation we would closed a lot longer. If the police can wait until next week, that is a good sign that the van is not involved in anything really sinister.

Get well soon, and best wishes for an early trip with your van to relax after this trauma. Sounding more optimistic for you, I'm really pleased for you and pleased that the police are also taking caravan theft seriously. If this caravan was cloned, you would have to have same model van for details to match and all windows would have to tampered with to match the 17 digit vin number etched on to windows and the vin plate to match. And this caravan is made after so there should be a microchip hidden in caravan that can be scanned to reveal vin number.

The caravan with Cris has not been reported stolen but still registered with a former private owner. One thing if hypothectically this was a substitute "cloned" caravan, what has happened to original caravan that Mark and Sherry checked vin number details, you would think the chances it would be registered to another current "keeper". It might be some dodgy caravans have passed through this Dealers hands but not this one maybe and police have duty of care in public interest to check all his caravan transactions.

I suppose if police use a handheld scanner to check hidden microchip on this caravan it would give the final validity to it. Just a thought.

It only needs the requirement for the reg. Electronic checking could then take over until clearance or a mis-match is flagged. Two things work in favour of the criminal. Greed - losing a sale as Michael says , and beating someone else to a "bargain". If banks took the same defeatist attitude that things cannot be changed, criminals would have emptied everyones bank accounts by now.

Let's be realistic I am new to caravanning and I might know a thing or two about the law but I am learning the pitfalls of buying and securing a caravan as I go along. Perhaps this incident can be a warning to all of us. When buying a second-hand caravan from a private seller, there are few enquiries we can make to determine it's history.

We can judge the seller, look at any previous paperwork, maybe even contact previous owners, but it's always fraught with danger. When buying from a dealer one tends to trust that the dealer has done any checking that is necessary and the caravan you are buying is legit However, there are agencies you can find them online which will check out chassis numbers and advise you if the caravan you are about to purchase has been reported as stolen.

Many stolen caravans are either not reported officially, or not recorded on Internet logging sites How many of us go to those lengths Well, it is if the police are likely to come knocking at your door! When buying a CRIS registered caravan, there's no excuse.

CRIS is not foolproof as has been discussed, but it's the best system we have. Details should be checked before purchase Let's get this into perspective. I don't know Mark and Sherry It would appear that the police are investigating the very person they bought the caravan from This possibly puts them directly in the front line no matter how innocent they may have been. This should have been done before they even signed the cheque!

Please don't get me wrong I fully understand the circumstances of Mark and Sherry's possession of this caravan and I mean them no animosity Apparently, caravans a year are stolen in the British Isles and that's not including cloning and all the other possible frauds involved.

That's a helluva lot of caravans!! Without buyers innocent or otherwise this number could be drastically cut. It is the responsibility of all caravanners to get their act together and start fighting back. Check those caravans! Small dealers may well be involved in theft and even large dealers aren't totally exempt. Check every detail you can before buying a caravan I'm sorry you have been at the blunt end of this saga, Mark and Sherry, but inadvertently you may have helped many potential caravan buyers, and you have certainly learned a few lessons yourselves.

Michael, I am not saying YOU are defeatist. The technology is there, but the people with the clout to make it happen are just not interested. It seems ironic that the technology able to get pictures back from Mars in minutes cannot be utilised to produce instant results for more pressing matters here on Earth.

Bob, I do not argue with your assessment of caravans being easily entered. My purpose is to make it impossible as far as possible for the sods to sell them on. CRiS is available by phone only on I'm not in favour of adding more traffic laws and regulations You would then need a valid registration document in order to sell or buy a caravan.

However, the problem I have just thought of is that caravan shells can easily be transfered from one chassis to another if you're in the business and know what you are doing, so you still couldn't be sure of it's origins I suppose See your point Bob, but would anyone go to the lengths of swapping shells? They would have to erase chassis details from windows would not correspond to that of swapped chassis , or purchase new windows. Erasure would draw suspicion, or it should. Further obstacles could be that, if new windows were ordered, these would only be supplied ready etched with the chassis number, so this would have to be declared, along with a delivery address.

Through CRIS, ownership of the chassis number could be checked. Then, instead of windows arriving, a few nice policemen could turn up. The thieves would probably decline to order, but they would be left with a problem. A van on their hands. Like you said Bob, caravans are easy to enter, and to take away. Accepting that we cannot prevent caravans being stolen, the best action is to assemble obstacles to severely delay selling on.

The thief's biggest threat to being caught is the length of time that the van is in his possession. And his best friend is the lethargic attitude of everyone else; from owners, through insurers, trackers, right up to the police and politicians. I agree with all you have said, Bertie, and I suppose anyone who steals a caravan doesn't want to have it hanging around too long and swapping bits and pieces could be a problem. Trailer theft possibly more so than caravans is far too common and quite a serious problem especially in rural areas.

The main reason why few are recovered is simply that they are not registered nor easily identifiable I don't think a proper manufacturers chassis plate is a legal requirement either and too easily sold on with few questions being asked It is possibly because of that, that trailer and caravan thefts are not treated quite as seriously as thefts of motor vehicles Interesting post this, We have not had our van long although it has been Cris Registered in the past with the previous owners, Im trying to find our Chassis No so we can register in our names but can not find it anywhere on the van only on the Cris window ectching..

When insuring the van they wanted our Chassis No , said we couldnt find it on van so they aceppted the no from the Cris Window etching. Can anyone please help me by pointing me in the right Direction as to where I might find the Chassis No.

Good Luck to Mark and Sherry hope all is sorted for them both soon and that they are both feeling Better. Your chassis number should be on the chassis somewhere under the front fairing, near the tow hitch, and may also be on the axle assembly.

In my case, the chassis VIN number is etched on every window, and that is most likely what your window marking are. I cannot specifically state this is so for every make of van, but to keep CRIS registrations as uncomplicated and standard as possible I would think this is a fact. Did you purchase private, or from a dealer? Either way, there is a laid down procedure for transferring the ownership registration with CRIS. A previous owner should be aware of this, and a dealer certainly would.

Hi I would give Bailey a ring, they are really helpful. If you bought the caravan in good faith and had no reason to believe it was stolen, you have a good chance of keeping it.

You need to seek legal advise, when you get it ask them to quote the relivant law as many people will advise you, but don ot understand the exact law, and this is what will win or loose your case. Take pictures of the van and its condition, give it to no one, if the police want it I tink they have to sieze it, with a court order?

I will check when the wife wakes up. OR you could do the decent thing and HELP the police as much as you can, and do your bit in removing the scum bags that make buying such things a minefield.

We Brought the caravan from A Good Dealership it was a Trade in for part exchange by the previous owner, We have not recieved any Documents via CRIS , The dealer never mentioned anything about it and being new to Caravanning we never gave it any thought. Aly, I think this is similar to our experience and I'm wondering if CRIS are not doing their job properly because there seems to be a let down in the system cannot remember clearly what happened last year. Quote - "We Brought the caravan from A Good Dealership it was a Trade in for part exchange by the previous owner, We have not recieved any Documents via CRIS , The dealer never mentioned anything about it and being new to Caravanning we never gave it any thought.

BTW Police vehicle inspector did not turn up last night as arranged with him and no phone call!! I'd really like to get the matter cleared up and get on with planning our new year UKCS meet. Oh dear, that is well out of order! Ring them and ask them what they are playing at! I'd want to know what was going on too, I would have no finger nails left now. If the police do want it they should have the correct paperwork and ID when they come If they Do come. It has been known for people looking the part arrive at your house seizing a vehicle etc that they have no legal right to take.

I know there's a lot of posts in this thread but it sometimes pays to have a scan through them before commenting, especially the first page ;.

Have a peek through the curtains to see if they have a low-loader before you open the door, Sherry :. Cris was only started in so could depend when in your van was registered and when Cris started. Nealry all vans pre were not registered. The whole number is the Vin number, this is also stamped on the top of the 'A' frame on the offside leg close to the caravan body.

In 92 you probably won't have a slot to look through on the 'A' frame fairing and thats why you can't find the number. Many Thanks for the advice will give them a call later, OH is Worried that they might say its stolen ect so am a little bit cautious. Thanks for this Have checked the A Frame and you are correct there is no slot to look through it is completely covered with Fairing.

Sorry do not know what BA Stands for. When I traded in my van, which was purchased from same dealer, he remindedme not to forget to bring the CRIS document in with the van.

I think delays and errors are more likely to be due to carelessness within dealerships, rather than down to CRIS themselves. Confusion between CRIS and new owners could be a knock-on efect from this. I am so pleased for you. I logged on to wait for your posting because I really wanted to hear a positive outcome to this.

Any idea what was going on then? You will probably find when you get to using it, yours is the caravan with the ghost and dry rot in the belfry. Looks like Christmas came early for the pair of you, really pleased for you and glad it's all over,. Anyway least it is over and no doubt on your ownership of your caravan. They must have had a good reason.

They don't go to those lengths just because they have nothing better to do Seems like in this case they found evidence to exonerate the dealer.

I would be too terrified to leave my home if every investigation the police conducted at the tax payers expense resulted in evidence of a crime Wah Hay , Thats great news and Congratulations to both of you a lot of worry off your mind with Christmas being so near,.

Good result, Sherry and Mark. A merry Xmas and a happy New Year. And many happy years of caravanning. We are having wine with our meal tonight, and we will raise a glass to you both, and to all the other on-liners who have shared your concern. This sounds like a scam to steal your caravan.

I do not believe the police would phone you for first contact. If they ring again ask for Name.. PC number Then find out from another source the correct telephone number and give them a ring. In the meantime I would not bother about it and enjoy caravanning!!!!!! BUT do not let anyone take your van away until you have confirmed they are acting lawfully.

A car on hire purchase or conditional sale belongs to the company until the. There are some limited exceptions to this. If you were not aware that the car was subject. Printed From: UKCampsite. Going to post the chat section as well. Hope this matter gets resolved and your van turns out to be legit. Found some quotes saying about buying a car with outstanding finance : "Your rights A car on hire purchase or conditional sale belongs to the company until the payments have been completed.

Very strange that they want to take it away. Mr Ulti-Mate I also wonder if it really was the police that called not sure that they would take the van away what with the cost of towing ect.

Mr Ulti-Mate I thought I was just being paranoid Also, if you do don't just use any number the caller gave you - you look up the number and then phone If that has been done, I would think if indeed it has been stolen, a full refund would be in order. Then seek legal advice, either from a solicitor or the CAB. Your line of recourse is with the dealer you purchased from.

Good luck. Best not buy a caravan in the first place without checking it's background. Just because they want to check it out doesn't mean it's been stolen So I would certainly check the authenticity of the call but not much point in doing anything specific until you are advised accordingly.

I've checked with CC legal who confirmed my claim would be against the dealer if the van's proved stolen. Bob thanks for all your advice. I was beginning to doubt whether it was a genuine call from the police. So I phoned the dealer and got a lot of info. Rememberance Day! Tow Cars. Cost of fuel Started by Buckman Oct 27, Replies: Pitching changed and never even noticed.

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By Derekf Started February 17, Share More sharing options Followers 4. Reply to this topic Start new topic. Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2. Recommended Posts. Debsid Posted February Posted February Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options Lagerorwine Posted February Posted February 14 edited.

Edited February 14 by Lagerorwine. Stevan Posted February Woodentop Posted February Two phrases comes to mind: In their case, caveat emptor i. Mr Plodd Posted February Legal Eagle may well be along shortly to advise you. Steven Posted February Just now, Lagerorwine said:.

Lost in the wilderness Posted February No The lawful original owner sold the caravan to someone who used a dodgy credit card. Edited February 14 by Mr Plodd. Op needs to go back to whoever they bought it from Edited February 14 by Lagerorwine. Silversurf Posted February Legal Eagle Posted February Where did that person buy it from? What did the police say about returning it to the owner?

Was it stolen from a dealer? Jiffy Posted February Aitch Posted February Or they may not, the original owner my have to go to court to get it back. Totally different circumstances!