Caravan security
When you’re enjoying a relaxing holiday with family and friends
it’s easy to let security slip your mind.
You wouldn’t leave your home insecure when you go away so treat
your caravan the same way. On holiday, it’s going to be your home
for a week or two after all.
Whether it’s on site, parked in your driveway or at a motorway
service station for a short time, remember your caravan could be a
target for thieves.
Outsmart them by following the tips from our crime reduction
officer in the video above and the more detailed advice
below:
- Make sure your caravan can’t be towed away. Always immobilise
it however long you plan to stop for. Use good quality heavy duty
chains, hitch locks and clamps to secure your caravan.
- Lock doors and windows and take the keys with you when you
leave the caravan. Don’t forget to lock your roof light and gas
compartment too.
- Have a reliable alarm fitted and set it every time you leave
the caravan.
- Fit lockable wheel nuts.
- Never leave personal or valuable items on display inside the
caravan, particularly mobile phones, laptops, cash, credit or debit
cars and private mail.
- Think about security marking the personal belongings inside the
caravan. You can mark valuable items with your name and postcode
using a UV pen available from most large stationers. The mark is
invisible until it is viewed under a UV lamp.
- You could also think about forensic marking. This involves
using a colourless liquid solution which gives your property a
unique chemical code. The solution can’t be seen by the naked eye
and is very difficult to remove but glows under a UV light allowing
police to detect it. Forensic marking providers include
Selecta DNA, Smartwater and
Red Web.
- Never leave vehicle registration documents inside the caravan
as they could help a thief sell it on.
- Think about fitting a tracking device. This can help police
track your caravan if it is stolen.
- Write your vehicle identification number (VIN) in several
hidden places in your caravan. You can use a permanent marker to
write the VIN inside a cupboard or drawer for example or etch it
into windows using a UV pen.
For more information and advice download the Steer Clear of Caravan Crime
leaflet or contact The Caravan Club, a national
organisation offering crime prevention advice on 01342 326944.