Owners are being urged to follow some simple security tips to protect their caravans from thieves this autumn, after caravan and motorhome theft increased by 29% year-on-year by the end of August.
The warning came from stolen vehicle recovery expert Tracker, with owners being encouraged to take precautions that will make life harder for would-be thieves. These include storing their caravan in a secure facility, installing an alarm system, adding hitch locks and wheel clamps, along with deadlocks on the doors.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, commented: “Demand for quality leisure vehicles remains at an all-time high, with not just legitimate retailers looking to cash in.”
“Criminal gangs are taking advantage of high demand and the resulting higher prices, stealing motorhomes and caravans to serve the burgeoning market. In 2020, Tracker recovered over one million pounds worth of stolen caravans and motorhomes, and this figure is set to be even higher this year.
He added: “We have seen too many cases where criminals have been able to quickly cut through barriers, locks and other physical deterrents, taking just seconds to steal valuable vehicles parked on driveways. And it’s not just caravans and motorhomes parked at home that thieves are targeting. Secure, premium storage facilities that boast top of the range security measures are increasingly being targeted. Criminals are determined, especially when the cash rewards are high.”
“Getting away for a break in your own motorhome or caravan at any time of the year is a fantastic experience and invaluable for families, couples and individuals. To have that opportunity taken away by a thief is absolutely heart-breaking, especially as the purchase would have been such a huge investment for most.”
To help keep your caravan safe this autumn, Tracker has offered the following security tips:
- If you’re buying a secondhand caravan, see if there is already a tracker fitted. If there is, you should be able to restart the subscription.
- Be sure to mark your caravan, and fit approved deterrents such as hitch locks, wheel clamps and deadlocks.
- Use an etching tool or engraver to mark any valuables and interior fitments with your postcode.
- Do not leave any valuables in your caravan.
- Avoid keeping your registration documents in the caravan; getting hold of these could otherwise make it easier for thieves to sell.
- Close and lock all of your caravan’s doors and windows.
- If you’re storing your caravan for the season, pick somewhere which provides good security, instead of being lured in by a low price.
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Demand for quality leisure vehicles remains at an all-time high, with not just legitimate retailers looking to cash in.