Vehicle Crime expert Pc Jerry Oakes, is passing on tips about how to defeat the car criminal. This week he looks at caravans.

"Now the holiday season is upon us again it's time to dust off the caravan and head west again," said Pc Oakes.

"A word of warning though - this is the time your pride and joy is most at risk.

"Most caravans are stolen either from storage sites or from the owner's drive.

"It is most important to remember to secure the caravan even when it is on the drive ready to go off on holiday in the morning.

"We all know about hitchlocks, wheelclamps and caravan alarms and these should be used at all times.

"If you are considering purchasing a used caravan then you should be aware of the CRiS caravan registration system.

All British caravans made after 1992 have a 17-digit serial number etched onto the windows and, for a small fee, this number can be checked on the CRiS system.

"This will tell you if the caravan is dodgy or on finance etc. It is also worth knowing that older caravans can be registered with CRiS for a fee and people doing so are then issued with an etching kit and a registration document.

For further details CRiS can be contacted on 01722 411430.