As previously posted we've just returned from our very first camping drip - and absolutely loved it!!! My question now is about caravan security.
We've decided to park our caravan at the front as it's a LOT easier to just plug it on and drive off. This has however begged the question of security. We are going to set up an automatic flood light at the front of the house (currently no lighting at all) - to deter the opportunistic burglar. But how about the worse kind, who would actually steal the whole thing? Money is of an issue for us, particularly now as we've just recently bought a lot of necessary equipment to get us going.
Do you guys have any experience/advise on good and easy to use security measures that gives you good bang for your buck?
Will very much appreciate any advice. Many thanks in advance :-)
Not wise to have a valuable asset sat on the front if it is simple to hook it up and drive it off.
A floodlight will make little or no difference - I am not an expert, but suspect just as many caravan thefts happen in the middle of the day as at night.
You need to think about physical security measures:
Wheel Clamp(s) or wheel removal/"winter wheels" Decent hitchlock Leg Steady locks
I think the list could go on and on, and am sure that more knowledgable caravanners will offer advice in a moment.
Problem with a caravan, is that if someone "really" wants it, they will have it - as this video clip demonstrates.
i cant remember where i read it but the article said about pir lighting around vans, it said "why give the theifs the light they need to do things when its much harder in the dark". made me think. but as said above it seems most vans go walkies in the day time.
Personally I wouldn't advise keeping it at home unless you absolutely have to - caravan away=you away=burglary!
Absolute minimum security devices would be wheel clamp, hitch lock and corner steady locks and many insurance companies insit on these being fitted as the basic requirements for insurance. Also consider getting an alarm and installing a folding bollard in front of your caravan or across the drive. Tracking systems are expensive but show good success rates of retreiving your van.
At the end of the day, a very determind theif will take what they want, regardless of what you try and do to deter them. Take sensible precautions and insure your van, buy and USE Gold Secure level security devices and never leave anything valuable inside the van.
Thanks very much for your replies so far guys, definitely lots to think about. Any recommendations on equipment that you find good / easy to use? (we are total newbies!)
The flood light will help the thieves see what they are doing!
If your van is insured you must check your insurers requirements as regards security. We leave ours on the drive and the measures we use:
Alarmed
hitchlock
wheel clamp
chain & padlock through wheels/chassis
corner steady locks
95% of the time a car is parked in the way of removing it.
If they want it they will have it. All you can do is deter them into taking your neighbours and make sure you are complying with your insurance so that in the (unlikely) event that it goes you will get cashback.
When on the drive we use a hitchlock, Alko wheek lock, the alarm and tracker and after all that we still park the car across the access - so thieves would have to move the car as well.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Caravan security
