I've been looking through various posts around security at Motorway Service areas. In the past it hasn't been an issue as it's always been a case of take it in Turns to visit the facilities.
In a few weeks however I will be travelling from Nottinghamshire to Hampshire so stopping is unavoidable.
To add a slight twist i'm also going to be towing with a Transit (Privately owned private use not for hire or reward so no tacho needed)
I'll be leaving the unit or as shorter time as possible but my security plans consist of the following:-
Hitch Locked towball
Chain from Caravan to towing eye on the van
Wheel Clamp on Caravan
Rear legs wound down with padlocks through the tubes to prevent easy access.
Caravan and Van alarmed.
Obviously if someone is realty determined they will take it but does the above sound enough to deter the average opportunist or make a professional look for an easier target?
Do you really need to leave it bigray? Pack yourself some sandwiches before you leave home and use the on-board loo if you need to. Although we always travel as a couple, we rarely need to leave the van at all at services.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Most thieves are opportunist and will likely be put off by all the security measures you're planning to employ. They like an easy target and I have no doubt there will be other 'vans there that are no where near as secure as yours. Like you say, leave it unattended for as short a time as possible and park somewhere that there are lots of other people.
We never leave our unit unattended either, we always have some food onboard, and use the caravan toilet if needsbe.
It saves the long wait in ques and expensive prices changed on Motorway service areas, not to mention the worry of what may be happening to your pride and joy whilst you are away from it.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
We also would not risk leaving the van unattended on UK or foreign motorway and main road service areas, but as we travel as a couple then we have in 40 plus years completely avoided doing so.
Even if travelling solo I would contrive solutions to avoid any foreseeable reason to leave it unattended in those locations. IMO they are prime opportunity areas for theft, so treated in that light.
Don't know why, but always felt a lot safer at motorway services in France versus the UK.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
We never leave our caravan unattended at a motorway services in the UK or abroad; if I was a caravan thief, it would one of the first places to go looking for opportunities.
I'll quite happily stop in a service station for a rest and a wee, but over night I never leave the van unattended. Like someone else said, I pack sandwiches and flask of coffee etc. and use the on board facilities if needed.
During the day I think its less likely that someone will pinch a van as there are more people around, and thieves hate people watching them.
We've been caravanning for 30 years and have regularly left the van and car at motorway service stations and have never had a problem, or concerns.
With both of my Skoda Yeti's, once the car alarm system is "armed" then if the caravan is unplugged the car alarm goes off. I understand this system applies to all VAG vehicles produced in the last 10 years.
I saw a van pinched at Reading services, the people had parked in the lorry park.transit pulled up, passenger jumped out, unhitched van from car and onto van and gone. 5 mins tops. They were away before I even had time to explain to the police what and where it was happening. So as many security devices as you can if you are leaving the van is my advice.
------------- 74,going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder
We never leave ours unattended either. We usually have some food with us and take it in turns to visit loo's or walk the dogs. Works for us.
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
We leave ours, but only very briefly. Loo visit, thats it. We also, however, have a hitch lock, wheel clamp and alarmed legs. We always put the car and van alarm on when left unattended and never had an issue. It doesn't matter how much security you have though, if they want it, they'll get it. However, as someone pointed out, majority of thieves are opportunist and the more security you have the more likely they are to leave yours and move on.
------------- Those who sacrifice Liberty for security deserve neither
hitch lock and wheel clamp are the minimum requirement of my insurance if leaving the caravan unattended.
to save the trouble of putting these on one of us waits with the caravan whilst the others go into the services.
i always put chemicals in the cassette and some flush water in the tank before i leave so that we can use the toilet on the way and also so that its one less thing to do at the campsite on arrival.
whan i keep caravan on the drive at home in addition to hitch lock and 2 wheel clamps i use some motorbike locks through the wheels and chassis and a big steel box i fabricated that locks over the whole hitch head with a van lock! my neighbours have a newer big twin axle bailey so hopfully the theives will go for that instead of my 9 year old coachman.
------------- First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Security at service areas
via mobile 03/6/2019 at 9:02pm
