Protect against touring caravan theft

As the caravanning season draws to an end, many owners won’t be using their touring caravan until the sunshine and warmer temperatures return in the spring.

During these months, caravans are more likely to be stolen, particularly if measures are not put in place to protect them. And sadly, a very high number of stolen caravans are never recovered.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which the risk of theft can be minimised.

How can I make my caravan more secure?

When your caravan is not being used, there are a number of simple ways to make your caravan less appealing to break-ins or theft.

If you are storing your touring caravan at home, consider CCTV and security lights, and make sure that your caravan is visible from your property. This may mean cutting back bushes and trees that obscure the view, while also providing fewer places for thieves to hide.

If you are going to be away from your property for a long period of time, inform friends and neighbours so that they can keep an eye on things and report any suspicious behaviour, too.

Remove all valuables from the caravan, and keep the curtains and cupboards open, as this helps to deter thieves by demonstrating that there is nothing inside worth stealing.

Finally, always ensure that the keys to your caravan are kept in a safe location, out of sight.

Caravan anti-theft devices

From alarms, to wheel clamps, to locks, there are lots of products on the market which help to make your caravan more secure.

Visual deterrents work well. Wheel clamps and security posts make it far more difficult for your caravan to be moved, while hitch locks make it almost impossible for thieves to attach your caravan to their own vehicle to tow it away.

More robust locks than those that come as standard with the caravan can be fitted to doors and windows, making gaining access far more difficult.

All caravans should be fitted with an alarm system that includes motion sensors, and door and window sensors. And the alarm siren itself should be loud!

As an additional precautionary measure, a GPS tracker can be installed to help locate your caravan if it is stolen. Most GPS trackers require a subscription to use the service, so make sure your registration and payment details are kept up to date.

For lights, alarm systems, and GPS trackers, check the batteries on a regular basis. After all, there is not a great deal of point in investing in electronic security devices if they don’t work when you need them to!

Caravan storage sites

If you want to increase security for your caravan while it’s not being used, there are a number of specialist storage sites across the UK.

You’ve invested in your caravan, so it’s important to invest in your storage and keep your caravan safe. Cheaper sites may fall short on the security facilities they offer.

Before you choose a storage site, visit it to make sure it’s as described in any advertising, and meet the owners. Ask about its security facilities and risk information – reputable sites should be more than happy to provide this.

It’s also important to consider location. Do you want a site near to where you live, or en route to your favourite destination?

No matter where you ultimately decide to store your caravan, Compass recommends using a CaSSOA-approved storage site, as these sites will meet the industry-recognised standard for caravan storage.

Becci Bailey, Manager, CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association) explains:

“Insurance claim data shows that caravans are more vulnerable to theft when kept at home, so it makes sense to protect your holiday lifestyle by using a secure storage location when it’s not in use.

“At CaSSOA, we understand what your caravan means to you, and that’s why every CaSSOA storage site is regularly assessed by experienced surveyors to make sure they meet our rigorous security standards.”

Find out more about CaSSOA here: https://www.cassoa.co.uk/

Register your caravan

In addition to increasing security, it’s important to register your caravan with CRiS (Central Registration and Identification Scheme).

CRiS is the National Register of UK touring caravan keepers. In much the same way as you’d register a vehicle with the DVLA, it is recognised by the regulatory bodies, insurance companies and police forces.

Not only does this prove that you are the legal owner of the caravan, but many insurance companies require CRiS registration before processing a claim.

Caravan insurance

Caravan insurance is essential if you want to ensure your holiday home is protected should the worst happen.

Even with robust measures in place to prevent caravan theft, unfortunately, there will still be times when determined thieves manage to break into, or steal your caravan.