Security - VIN Number On Roof

[Wombles]

Know some put their postcode (not advisable) or motorhome registration on the roof so it can be spotted by overhead cameras if stolen but reading this article from Tim Booth (Leisure Vehicles Officer of NaVCIS Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service) looks like it's best to use part of the VIN instead:

"Roof markings can also be useful, as Tim explains. “Now that the majority of strategic road network is monitored by ANPR, consider marking the roof with the last six characters or numbers of the vehicle VIN – Not the VRN or postcode.”

The markings should be left to right when looking at the front of the vehicle, so the information reads like the number plate. The issue is that the VRN can change through ownership changes – or if a personal VRN is used. The VIN is unique to any vehicle.

Using the last six characters of the VIN we are able to search databases to identify any stolen reports – both for caravans and motorhomes (the PNC search system uses a right to left process of search so six characters is a good indicator).

Trials with West Mids Police – and their Air Support team, found that six characters were enough – any more on a roof and it may be confusing!

(Using the personal VRN on a roof would mean at change of keeper the number would have to be removed – painted over- so this avoids having to do that as well!) "

 

[Hirsch]

Just read the same. Made me think.

 

[Wombles]

Maybe someone who makes number plates could make plates with the required six digits to order to stick on the roof? It would be much more durable than vinyl letters.

 

[EuroTrotters]

Already discussed at length as postcode or reg

Postcode on roof

Just been round to see my sons new (to him) Benimar, t find him putting large letters on the roof with the postcode. ‘Don’t be daft’ I said, ‘Any thieves looking over from a motorway bridge will see that & be round to your place knowing you’re out’ ‘Let them’ he replied, ‘it’s the postcode of...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Hirsch]

Someone has advertised this on the classifieds I think

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[Boris7]

I can print these for you

 

[Eggs]

If I was going to do it I'd have a magnetic sign made, wouldn't work for everyone, but easy to fix and remove, and I doubt many thieves look on the roof when they are nicking vans.

 

[Two on Tour]

If I was going to do it I'd have a magnetic sign made, wouldn't work for everyone, but easy to fix and remove, and I doubt many thieves look on the roof when they are nicking vans.

Not much good for "C" class and "A" class MH's as they nine times out of ten have fibreglass or aluminium clad roofs.

 

[Boris7]

Magnetic signs just cause rust, we print them but customers have to sign to say they understand the risk

 

[Eggs]

Not much good for "C" class and "A" class MH's as they nine times out of ten have fibreglass or aluminium clad roofs.

That's why I said it wouldn't work for everyone.

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[Eggs]

Magnetic signs just cause rust, we print them but customers have to sign to say they understand the risk

Only if people leave them on all the time, I'm self employed but sub contract so I have magnets when I'm doing my own work and take them off when I'm subbing, never had a problem with rust.

 

[Boris7]

Its still starting under the paint, and your not going to keep climbing on and off the roof to remove/afix it

 

[Eggs]

Its still starting under the paint, and your not going to keep climbing on and off the roof to remove/afix it

I guess most people wouldn't climb up on the roof, I've done as I was advised by the company that made my signs up, take them off when you wash the van and clean/dry the back of the signs before they go back on, five years later no sign of rust.

 

[Boris7]

IMHO reg numbers, vin numbers etc on the roof are pointless, but if you want some ill make them as during lockdown the printer is redundant but still needs to run every 3 days or so

 

[Hirsch]

Maybe someone who makes number plates could make plates with the required six digits to order to stick on the roof? It would be much more durable than vinyl letters.

Vinyl letters are durable

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[Hirsch]

IMHO reg numbers, vin numbers etc on the roof are pointless, but if you want some ill make them as during lockdown the printer is redundant but still needs to run every 3 days or so

I would try some. Need to check where they might be positioned first. Will do that tomorrow.

 

[Two on Tour]

That's why I said it wouldn't work for everyone.

Though I would help you out a bit as "wouldn't work for everyone" is a bit vague.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Roof of the PVC is a bit ribbed in profile. Makes sticking on letters of any size interesting. A big smooth surface area is the solar panel. Oh wait ....

 

[TheBig1]

IMHO reg numbers, vin numbers etc on the roof are pointless, but if you want some ill make them as during lockdown the printer is redundant but still needs to run every 3 days or so

what sort of cost Boris7 ? and what size?

 

[Wombles]

Roof of the PVC is a bit ribbed in profile. Makes sticking on letters of any size interesting. A big smooth surface area is the solar panel. Oh wait ....

Hoping there's a rib where we could stick a "number plate" version with VIN no. as that could work ok.

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[thebriars]

Gone out of fashion a bit these days but there is also window etching. Would cost someone a bomb to replace all the windows in a motorhome. Caravans with CRiS registration have this number etched into all the windows on the inside. Just another deterrent.

 

[Hirsch]

Back of the satellite dish?

 

[Riverbankannie]

Roof of the PVC is a bit ribbed in profile. Makes sticking on letters of any size interesting. A big smooth surface area is the solar panel. Oh wait ....

There is a flat bit at the front but I don’t know if it would be visible from the ground.

 

[Hirsch]

It wouldn't (I don't think).

 

[TheBig1]

There is a flat bit at the front but I don’t know if it would be visible from the ground.
View attachment 431625

The idea is that it can't be seen from the ground, just the ANPR cameras on bridges etc

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[Riverbankannie]

The idea is that it can't be seen from the ground, just the ANPR cameras on bridges etc

Sorry, I worded it poorly. I meant that one wouldn’t want to be able to see it from the ground and I didn’t know if that little flat bit was visible.

 

[Charlie57]

If the police are using ANPR cameras aren't they reading the number plate anyway? What's the advantage of putting it on the roof also?

 

[AXO66]

If the police are using ANPR cameras aren't they reading the number plate anyway? What's the advantage of putting it on the roof also?

the Bad boys have changed the number plates.....

 

[Charlie57]

Ahh why did I not think of that!

 

[alvinlee01]

I make these fairly cheap and have made quite a few for members on here. Please see my ad in classifieds if you would like more info.

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