How to secure a static caravan: safety and security tips

Your static caravan is a home-away-from-home, a personal sanctuary where you can go to relax, recharge, and experience some time close to nature, whether alone or with family.

As it’s such a big investment, you need to implement measures and practices that keep your caravan safe and secure, especially throughout the off-season when you may be away for an extended period.

Common static caravan security and safety risks

Here are some of the biggest risks owners can experience, and how to secure a static caravan against them.

Break-ins, theft, and squatters

Static caravans are often seen as an easier target than bricks-and-mortar homes as they have weaker doors and windows than houses. Opportunistic burglars can also take advantage of unoccupied caravans, especially with the knowledge that many will have valuables left inside, like TVs, gaming consoles, and sports equipment, making them attractive targets.

Open-access holiday parks make it very easy for unauthorised visitors to walk straight in, so caravans left unoccupied for extended periods may find themselves falling victim to intruders and squatters.

Vandalism and accidental damage

Caravan parks in remote locations can be vulnerable to vandalism, especially during off-season months. Unfortunately, arson attacks on static caravans aren’t too uncommon either.

Accidental damage due to fires is also a risk, such as from discarded cigarettes or unattended BBQs. For static caravans using gas for heating and cooking, a leak from the LPG system can potentially lead to fire or explosions.

Many caravans are built from materials that burn quickly, so a small fire can rapidly become catastrophic.

Extreme weather risks

Similarly to touring caravans, static caravans can lose heat quickly when temperatures drop particularly low, leading to dampness and mould issues. If the water pipes freeze, they may leak or burst, further contributing to these risks.

Extreme weather conditions like storms and floods can also leave static caravans vulnerable to damage, which can be expensive to rectify.

Static caravan safety and security tips

While these may seem daunting, they shouldn’t put you off owning a static caravan. Taking proper precautions can help mitigate the risks of many of the abovementioned concerns, or in circumstances that can’t be prevented, having the right measures in place can alleviate stress in the aftermath.

Preventative measures

Whether you’re on your way home or just heading out for the day, keep curtains closed while the caravan is vacant to prevent anyone from spotting valuable items left inside. Install a bolted-down safe inside the caravan for storing all important items, but it’s even safer to take any valuables like electronics, cash, and jewellery away with you when finishing your holiday.

Remember that everyone within your caravan park is facing the same safety concerns as you, so engage with the community to look out for each other. Take the mobile numbers of the owners of the caravans around you. Promise to inform them of any suspicious activity and ask that they do the same for you.

Physical security measures

Make upgrades to physical aspects of your caravan, such as installing strong, multi-point locking systems and a deadbolt on doors. The same locking system is beneficial for windows, and installing security film makes it harder to break the glass. Reinforce door frames, and consider installing security bars or shutters if the caravan is often left unoccupied for extended periods.

Alarms and surveillance systems

On the exterior of the caravan, position visible CCTV cameras and install motion-sensor lights, both helpful for deterring intruders. Purchase a wifi-enabled alarm system designed for use with a static caravan to alert you of any concerns.

Invest in caravan insurance

Prevention is always better than cure, but what about things you may prepare for, but simply can’t prevent?

Where damage can’t be prevented, a robust, comprehensive static caravan insurance policy is the ideal safety net to fall back on. With cover spanning from the costs of structural damage to a loss of rent, or pitch fees if your caravan is inhabitable, our insurance policies are designed to help ease the burden of unexpected damage or loss.

Invest in the best type of safety measure for your caravan – get a static caravan insurance quote today.