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We’ve written before about the importance of securing your caravan, but there are also some practical precautions which you can take to massively reduce the risk of your caravan being stolen.
Remember though these are precautions which you can take on top of fitting good caravan security devices, and choosing a secure storage location. They are not offered as an alternative!
Reduce the risk of theft when your caravan is in storage
If your caravan is being stored at home on a driveway then position your caravan so that the hitch is up against a wall or garage rather than facing outwards, as this makes manoeuvring it much more difficult for any would be thief. Fitting a motor mover makes this much easier.
When your caravan is not in use a good way to deter thieves is to remove all of the caravan seat cushions and store these inside your house or garage, leaving the curtains open so that anybody looking through the caravan window can see the cushions have been removed. A caravan which needs to be completely reupholstered is not a very attractive prospect for a thief.
If you are going away from home for a few days without your caravan then why not let your neighbours know, that way they can question anybody who is snooping around your ‘van while you’re not there.
Reduce the risk of theft when on a touring caravan site
When you first arrive on site it is very tempting to kick your feet up and put the kettle on, and whilst we’re not against a bit of relaxation, we think it feels all the more satisfying when you know you’re all set up. As well as the normal setup jobs such as your water and electric we’d recommend fitting your caravan security devices such as wheelclamp and hitchlock straight away too.
An awning can also be an effective deterrent to thieves as it makes stealing your caravan much trickier; they either have to cut the awning off, or take the time to dismantle it, both of which will draw attention to them and slow them down.
If you are on a campsite near to other fellow caravanners then it might be a good idea to say a quick hello and introduce yourself. That way if you are going to be away for the day you could ask them to keep an eye out.
Reduce the risk of theft when towing
When pulling your caravan into a motorway service station or picnic area it’s important that you take precautions to protect your caravan from any would be thieves. The first step you can take to avoid theft is to choose a caravan hitchlock which allows you to lock the caravan to the car in transit (but doesn’t affect the stabiliser) as this means you can safely lock your car and leave the car and caravan locked together.
If you are leaving the caravan for a longer length of time, or have a hithclock which only works when unhitched, then you may also want to consider fitting your wheelclamp or axle lock. Also bear in mind that some insurers will insist on the fitting of security even when the caravan is attached to the tow vehicle (Caravan Guard don’t).
Another sensible precaution is to leave somebody with the caravan while the other person pops into the services to make sure it doesn’t get stolen.
For advice on insuring your caravan and information on the types of caravan security devices available and the discounts they’ll earn you, visit our touring caravan policy page.
Maybe it’s a selfish point of view but if my caravan was involved in an accident and turned over, I would prefer it to separate from my tow vehicle to avoid it turning over too with the obvious consequences to the cars occupants. I can understand locking the units together to minimise injuries to other road users, but self preservation is a natural thought surely .Hard decision?
With regard to your ‘advice’ to lock the caravan onto the car when towing, I used to do this, until I was severely told off by a traffic police officer at a motorway service area. (He was also a caravanner). He explained that if the two are locked together, but either vehicle goes into a skid and overturns, it will inevitably take the other part over with it., if they are locked together. If they are not locked, there is a fair chance that they will separate in the action of turning over, and one part or the other may stay upright. If it is the ‘van, it should self brake when the emergency cable snaps.
Hi Stuart
Thanks for sharing that info. We can see the logic in that. Let me check it out with one of our experts.
Hi Stuart, we referred your question to Tim Booth, a Leisure Vehicles Officer at AVCIS Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.
Tim tells us that although it is not a criminal offence to drive your caravan whilst it’s secured to the tow vehicle in this way, there are a number of schools of thought on the topic as you suggest.
Securing the two vehicles in this way serves to protect other road users from the dangers of a detached trailer. The likelihood of such a danger occurring is reduced if the two are secured. The recovery of separated trailers from the carriageway – or from the opposite carriageway in some cases – results in additional danger and delays to road users and recover vehicles. Recovery Operators carry specialist equipment that would allow them, if necessary, to separate the two elements at the scene to the facilitate recovery so there is no need to worry about locks / devices jamming in place.
It is also a priority of the Highways Agency to seek to provide safer roads and therefore safer journeys. Securing of the two elements serves as both a positive security provision for those seeking to protect their caravan / trailer, and also as a means of reducing risk.
Please let me know if you need anything else.
Lucie
Caravan Guard
Very interesting article on caravan security, being newcomers to caravanning I’m glad to see we’ve taken as many precautions as you suggest. However one added precaution whilst on site is our Dobermann who barks quite viciously if a sparrow lands on the roof-so woe betide anyone trying to get in. Good articles all round, thanks.
Thanks for the great comment Colin. Maybe we should offer a caravan insurance security discount for installation of Dobermanns!! I wouldn’t fancy being a thief trying to break into your ‘van.
Craig
Caravan Guard
Hi Guy
Sorry we didn’t respond sooner. Thank you very much for your kind comments.
Happy Caravanning!
All the advice given by your agents has been accurate and precise and helps provide worry free camping and touring.
I am now on my third caravan due to constant saving and upgrading, a massive “thank you” to all the team as they have helped make the transition between vans faultless.
The price increases have been surprisingly low especially on my new Swift Conquerer 645.