An unsecured caravan is a sitting duck for thieves. But by making sure you’ve taken the right precautions, you can deter all but the most determined of crooks and save money on your insurance at the same time.
Most caravan rustlers will look for the easy targets, and with 1,625 caravans being stolen between 2020 and 2022 in the UK, there seem to be plenty of them about.
Here we look at the best ways of keeping your caravan secure, whether you’re touring the country or keeping your van in your garden, on a driveway or on a site.
Ways to keep your caravan safe
Keep your caravan securely locked
Let’s start with the basics. It sounds obvious, but always lock your caravan if it’s unattended, and keep the windows and any roof lights closed. Window locks are available, as are battery-operated alarms that sound if the window is opened. Failing to lock up could invalidate your insurance if possessions are stolen from an unlocked caravan.
Invest in some wheel clamps
A visible wheel clamp will deter most thieves and make it very difficult to take off with your caravan. Whilst there are a number available on the market, not all of them are sufficiently robust to withstand an attack.
The best on the market will have a Sold Secure Diamond Standard award as they’re virtually indestructible. You should be wary of wheel clamps that can be removed by simply deflating your tyres.
You could also invest in some lockable wheel nuts to offer further protection.
Buy a security alarm for your caravan
Many newer caravans come with alarm systems fitted, like new cars do, but you can also retro-fit alarms to older models, and it’s an effective deterrent to thieves (as long as you make it clear from the outside you have an alarm fitted).
Some units include tracking devices, so if a determined thief does manage to make off with your van you – or rather the police – can trace its whereabouts quickly. A good alarm can also get you an insurance discount. Less than 23 per cent of caravans stolen are recovered, but you’ll stand a better chance of being in the minority with a tracking device fitted.
Just like with wheel clamps, you should look out for a Sold Secure alarm. You should always try to buy this from their website, otherwise you could be buying a dud.
Hitch locks
An essential first line of defence to stop someone hitching up your caravan and driving off with it. The hitch lock covers the coupling head of the caravan when it’s stationary and makes it impossible to hitch onto a tow bar. Make sure you get one that fits your type of coupling head.
Consider ground anchors or posts
Anchoring your caravan to the ground, or a post set into the ground, will make it almost impossible to tow away. Ground anchors drop from the chassis into the ground, and are useful for those planning to leave their caravan stationary over winter.
Door locks
Using a door lock will enhance the security of your caravan tenfold. This easy-to-use contraption not only keeps intruders out, but allows you to enter your home away from home easily when getting back in.
The Caraloc 640 is available for both right and left-handed people. Having a door lock such as this on your caravan will likely help reduce your insurance price too.
Fit a wheel lock
A wheel lock is a superb way of stopping thieves from stealing your caravan. Similar to wheel clamps, they come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s imperative to get one that fits your wheel.
Some seasoned caravanners prefer to buy a lightweight option as the more bulky ones can be a pain to attach. However, it’s worth noting these are less secure for larger caravans.
Keep valuables out of sight
Quite often it’s not the caravan that thieves are on the lookout for, it’s actually the items you keep on display when you’ve gone out.
Whenever you leave your caravan, you should ensure that any electronics such as laptops and tablets, and any other valuables like jewellery, are not visible through your windows.
It may even be worth purchasing a small safe to lock your items in when you’re not using them.
Only stay at official campsites
Staying at registered campsites will bring you extra peace of mind knowing that your caravan is more safe when you leave the site.
This is because they’re likely to have their own security measures in place with deterrents like cameras, lights and sometimes guards who log when campers and visitors are on site.
Try to choose a safe site for your caravan. The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) rates sites based on their security.
Consider buying a CCTV camera
If you’re keeping your caravan on a driveway or in a garden when you’re not on holiday, it’s worth looking into CCTV systems, especially if you’re away from your property for a long time.
Visible cameras act as natural deterrents and will see the chances of your caravan being stolen or broken into diminish considerably.
A lot of modern caravan CCTV systems will allow you to monitor the cameras via an app on your smartphone so you can check in on your caravan when you’re not at your property.
The Maxview Roam is a router with a 5G antenna so you can check in on your caravan no matter where you are. It will also provide you with a fast internet connection for all your online needs when travelling too.
Caravan CRiS registration stickers
Register your vehicle with the Caravan Registration & Identification Scheme (CRiS) and display the security stickers. It’s also worth etching your vehicle ID number (VIN) on the windows.
Get friendly with your neighbours
Get to know your neighbours when you pitch up at a caravan site. Ask them to keep an eye on your van in return for doing the same for them, and report anything suspicious.
Keep photographic evidence of your caravan
Take plenty of photographs of your caravan, including any distinguishing marks, to help identification.
Caravan insurance you can trust
Adrian Flux offers a range of caravan insurance policies, whether you have a two-berth touring caravan, an eight-berth static caravan or a large European van, we have a suitable, affordable policy for you.
Call 0800 369 8590 for a swift, no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.
Publisher: Source link
