How do I make my caravan secure?

Caravan theft has been declining over the last four years. This is due to increased security, both in terms of physical products and items like tracking devices that are deterrents to thieves. But theft is still an issue and in order that your caravan does not become a target due to being noticeably less secure than others there are a number of steps that you can take. Firstly make sure that you have numerous photographs of your caravan and its’ contents, as well as all the appropriate documents. Secondly invest in some approved security devices, make sure to check for the ‘SoldSecure’ mark. This is an not-for-profit association set up by the Master Locksmiths Association and the Police to test security products. Anything approved by them will be a product worth having.

Simple but effective deterrents

Always locking doors, windows and roof lights, regardless of the duration of your absence from the caravan.

• Storing the keys somewhere safe, preferably without labels informing that they are for the caravan.

• Removing personal belongings when you are not using your caravan. Also leaving cupboard doors open to show that they are bare, may prevent a break-in.

• Keeping your caravan in a police approved, secure caravan park. Don’t just consider price, be aware that if you can walk into the park and remove your caravan without being challenged then a thief will be able to as well.

Minimum Security Requirements

Wheel Clamps

Often a minimum requirement for insurers, they work by immobilising the wheel. The advantage of wheel clamps is that they are an obvious security measure and as such a deterrent to opportunist thieves. There are a proliferation of wheel clamps available. The best ones do not have exposed locks and do have thick radiating arms so they can resist damage from tools like saws and drills.

Hitch Locks

Again these are often a minimum requirement for insurers. They prevent your caravan from being hitched or towed away. It is important to make sure that it covers the hitch head and completely covers the security bolts. Otherwise thieves can just bypass it. Some also come with audible security alarms.

Anchors and Posts

These are generally used when your caravan is not in use. Security posts are concreted into the ground, either by the A-frame, the body or ideally both. These make moving the caravan virtually impossible for a thief. Anchors can be used in a similar way.

Electronic Security

An important thing to remember is that tracers and alarms often have high power consumption. This is particularly an issue if they are going to be left alone for a long amount of time. So remember to check the power source; many caravan-specific devices have special long life batteries to counteract this problem.

Alarms

It is advisable to get an alarm that has an internal sensor, one that will activate immediately if an intruder gets in. Other key features are tilt motion sensors and corner steady vibration sensors. They will detect if anyone is attempting to move the caravan in order to tow it away. If you buy an alarm specifically designed for a caravan it should not be set off by the normal movement created by the wind. It is also possible to get alarms that are remotely controlled or ones with panic alarms, should something happen when you are nearby. Another desirable feature is that the alarm will be activated when the road lighting is plugged in.

Markers

It is essential to have your caravan CRiS registered, for if the worst does happen you will have a greater chance of your caravan being returned to you. CRiS use a 12 digit vehicle identification number (V.I.N.) individual to each caravan as an identifier. There are also extension services of this nature available, involving micro dot tagging or extra electronic chips. If your caravan was built by a N.C.C. manufacturer after August 1997 then it will already have an electronic tag. If it was built after 1992 by a N.C.C manufacturer then it will already be CRiS registered.

The Police also recommend tagging your belongings with a ultraviolet marker, in case of property theft. They also suggest that marking the roof of your caravan with the V.I.N. may aid recovery if it is stolen and the police search from the air.

Trackers

Modern tracking devices generally work using global positioning satellites. This means that you will be able to know where your caravan is at any time, enabling you to follow its path. You can choose to have a monitored service, meaning that an external company or the police will be alerted when your caravan is moved. Or you can choose to be alerted yourself. It is important to note that the police do not have to immediately respond if you phone and alert them of a stolen vehicle. They are more likely to respond if contacted by an external company. Be aware that these companies often charge a high premium for constant monitoring. Thieves are also becoming better at finding and removing tracking devices. Despite this having a tracker installed increases your chances of finding your caravan. Due to the vast number of tracking devices and their varying levels of merit, not all insurers will automatically drop your premiums if you get a tracking device installed. It is always worth checking with them before making an expensive purchase of this nature. A last note on this is that the Police are under no obligation to recover your caravan; if it is abandoned it is still your responsibility.