Follow our simple advice to keep your caravan and possessions inside safe
Caravan sites are generally safe, crime-free places, but if you take silly risks, you could find you have a problem. Of course, it's only natural to feel more relaxed than usual when you're touring, but if you aren't careless about security at home, you shouldn't be on site.

The right kit to protect your van
Most insurers require that you fit hitchlocks and wheelclamps to maintain cover – which means from the moment you've pitched up and levelled the tourer. Also, make sure any lock or clamp you buy is approved by Sold Secure – the best known industry standard for British-made security products – or the international SCM quality mark.
Alarm systems are worth considering; they are activated when the caravan is moved or there's a break-in. Such systems come as standard on upmarket vans, or can be retro-fitted. One big name here is Phantom (tel 0800 107 4663) whose systems combine an alarm and satellite tracking.
Door locks are fine for deterring casual thieves, but if you keep your caravan on a seasonal pitch, it's worth beefing up the door security for those times when you're off site. Fiamma UK (tel 01772 729 999) has a range of extra locking solutions. Our favourite is the Security Handle, which swings across the door and locks to keep people from trying the door. When you're in, it can be used as a sturdy grab handle for getting in and out of the van. Prices start at around £50.

Perfect pitches and precautions
Where you pitch your caravan can have a significant effect on how likely you are to have a problem. On large commercial sites, the level of security on offer is generally pretty good, with the best offering swipe-card access, barriers and code-entry systems to restrict access to guests only.
For more basic sites such as farm or CL/CS sites, security tends to be very basic, often comprising nothing more than a gate and in these locations, you need to take responsibility yourself. If possible, place your wheelclamp on the side of the caravan that can be seen easily to make it a visual deterrent.
We always advise against overnight stops at motorway service stations or in ferry port parking areas, but if you have no option, choose a well-lit area that is not near other vehicles. Fit your wheelclamps and hitchlocks, and keep the car hitched up as this makes it much harder for a thief to move the van.

Security that makes sense
It's common sense to close windows and lock the door before heading out. Zip up the awning, too, if you have anything inside that might attract light fingers. Avoid leaving expensive outdoor chairs, freestanding satellite dishes or solar panels on display where nobody would notice their being stolen.
Take extra care to hide all your technological goodies, such as mobile phones and MP3 players. Stow small items in roof lockers or wardrobes when not in use and never leave items of any value in an awning when the caravan is unattended.
If you are really worried, a small safe is a good solution. Towsure sells a lightweight but reliable Travelsafe at £16. It also has a more substantial combination-locking caravan safe for £30. It's heavy though, which may cause some problem when loading.