Securing Your Van

Securing Your Caravan

Please note if you would like to e-mail us click HERE

Your caravan is vulnerable everywhere. Even if you are stopping only for a short time in a lay-by or
motorway service station, it is important to protect it. You know how valuable your home is to you.
You know how important it is to keep it secure.

But what about your caravan? On holiday, or touring, you rely on it as your home. Think how you'd feel
if someone broke in or towed it away!

Your caravan is always a target for thieves. It may be your home from home but it's not built to the
same strength as bricks and mortar. So it's up to you to tighten up the security of the parts which make
it vulnerable.

Make sure your caravan can't be towed away

The cheapest form of protection for a trailer caravan is a hitch lock. This should prevent any
vehicle with a towing bracket fitted to his/her vehicle hitching up and driving off with your
caravan in tow. It could happen from your own front garden.

There are several types of locks available, many depending on the use of a padlock to prevent the hitch being clicked on to the towing ball. When choosing a hitchlock one ensure the device is compatible with the make of coupling on your trailer — remember fittings are not universal. Inspect the padlock to be sure that it is of a good quality and if practical of the close shackle type.

Other methods of security include:

Secure each corner leg with a padlock. Make sure it has a shackle to prevent thieves from cutting through it. If you use a chain, make sure it's a strong one. Thieves can easily get hold of the right tools to cut through a weaker chain.

Lock the coupling head into a cover with a hitchlock.
Use lock-nuts on the caravan wheels or If you can, use wheel clamps — everyone knows how well they can keep a vehicle stationary! A caravan wheel clamp is simple to use and can be fitted in seconds without using the keys. They help deter the opportunist thief as they take time to remove and therefore increases the chances of them being caught.

Wheel clamps are often required as a minimum form of security by caravan insurance companies and should be used whenever the caravan is left unattended. It is worth checking whether your insurance company recommends any particular make of clamp, but if not, at least ensure the clamp is Sold Secure approved.

When buying a wheel clamp a key point to remember is that the heavier and harder it is to get onto the wheels, the more difficult it will be for the thief to remove. Also be aware that you will have to manoeuvre your wheel clamp at holiday time, so make sure it is a practical choice

Gas cylinders are always an inviting target to a thief. Padlock them to the fixing bracket on older caravans so they can't be removed, and keep gas compartments locked on newer models.

Stop thieves breaking in

Always close and lock the doors and windows when you leave your caravan — even if it's just for a short time. Thieves don't need long to go through a caravan, and their job is made easier and simpler if they can get in easily.

Fit a special caravan deadlock to the door, and make sure you use it. Then thieves can't just smash a window and turn the handle on the inside.

Fit an alarm. You can get one from any DIY store.

Fit a time switch. If you're out after dark, lights on in your caravan will make it look occupied and can deter opportunist thieves.

Don't leave valuables such as jewellery in your caravan. If you have to, lock them out of sight.

Remember: your caravan is even more vulnerable when not in use. Caravans left on sites even over
winter, for example, are targets for thieves.

Wherever it is, immobilise your caravan.

Remove all your personal belongings and contents when you are not using your caravan. Leave cupboards and curtains open — thieves can be put off by a caravan, which is obviously empty.

If you are choosing a storage site don't just look at the price. Check to see that it offers good security.

If you're leaving your caravan at home ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your caravan as well as your house.