New technology used to help prevent and detect thefts at Formula 1 British Grand Prix

Officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team used new technology to help prevent and detect caravan thefts at this year’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Working in partnership with colleagues from the Central Registration & Identification System (CRiS) and VinChip, officers patrolled the south Northamptonshire circuit and its surrounding campsites over the weekend of July 8-9.

Using new roadside reading technology developed by VinChip, the Rural Crime Team checked 317 caravans and motorhomes against the national CRiS database for any outstanding stolen assets.

Of those checked over the two days, one caravan was identified as being stolen while a further 19 were found to be either not registered or still in the name of the company which had sold the vehicle.

Rural Crime Officer PC Hutch Hutchings ran the operation. He said: “Thousands of people each year head to our county for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix and pitch up at one of the many campsites.

“Sadly, it is not just law-abiding citizens that attend such events, so our priority was to ensure people left our county having had an enjoyable and crime-free visit, which we achieved with only a handful of crimes reported over the four days.

“Everyone we spoke to was very welcoming and the operation not only provided us with the opportunity to use the latest technology to detect crime, it also gave us the chance to engage with people about the prevention methods they can take to secure their property.

“One of the caravans we checked had been stolen and the current owner told us that they had not completed any checks to see if there was any outstanding finance on it or indeed if it was stolen before purchasing it.

“These checks can be completed by contacting CRiS and we would recommend anyone who is thinking about such an expensive purchase to carry out such essential checks to ensure they are not buying stolen property.

“Following the success of this operation, we will be planning similar patrols at future events to add that extra layer of security for visitors while doing all we can to help fight crime and protect people.”

The important message to anyone planning to camp at an event in Northamptonshire is:

• Check against the national databases before you purchase your caravan or motorhome, no matter how old it may be, to ensure it’s not stolen
• Once purchased ensure that it is registered to you
• When on site, ensure windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave and ensure valuables are kept secure and out of sight