Touring Caravanning

Caravan security – a comprehensive guide

Exactly how common is caravan theft? How do I secure my caravan? Our comprehensive guide shows you the best ways to secure a caravan.

Most recent figures published show that theft of touring caravans rose significantly during 2020 with Tracker, a stolen vehicle recovery expert, quoting a 50% increase in the weeks that followed each lockdown, while the AA estimates around 4,000 caravans are stolen every year. Given that a caravan is likely to be our biggest single purchase, after our home, it is vital to know how to keep it safe and secure. Interestingly, the law does not require you to have caravan insurance but the cost of replacing even an older model, will be far greater than the insurance premiums, and of course the caravan would also be covered for damage too.

There are several steps that can be taken to make it harder for your caravan to be stolen and some of these will also help to reduce your insurance premiums. These are our top recommendations:

Caravan wheel locks

A wheel lock is secured to the caravan wheels to demobilise it, by locking the wheels and preventing it from being towed away. While a wheel lock can be removed, it takes time and there is an element of risk for the would-be thief, so the presence of caravan wheel locks acts as a great deterrent. Some devices will qualify you for reduced insurance premiums so do check with your insurers first. There are many models of wheel lock available here including the Milenco Compact Wheel Clamp which fits all caravan & motorhome wheels from 12” to 16” & 145 to 225 size tyres and is insurance approved.

Caravan hitch locks

The most popular caravan security device, a hitch lock secures the caravan’s hitching device which prevents others from hooking up the caravan and towing it away. For many insurers, the presence of either a wheel lock or a hitch lock (or both) when your caravan is unattended, is a minimum requirement. This means that without a hitch lock, your insurers will not pay the claim. Check with your insurance company which locks they approve – at BEC Ingoldmells our range of hitch locks includes models by Milenco and Maypole.

Caravan corner steady nut locks

Corner steady nut locks, sometimes simply referred to as caravan leg locks, prevent anyone from bringing the caravan stays up, which immobilises it and prevents it from being towed away easily. As with the wheel locks, this is a visible anti-theft device and a good deterrent, as well as an additional security measure when used alongside wheel locks and hitch locks.

Caravan security posts

When storing your caravan, for example on your home driveway, installing a security post is a good idea. The post should be concreted into the ground and many are supplied with an internal lock. Securing with a heavy-duty chain is a further deterrent to would-be thieves.

Security mark your caravan

Since 1992, National Caravan Council recognised manufacturers have stamped the VIN on the caravan chassis and etched it onto windows; the VIN is the vehicle identification number, consisting of 17 digits. If your caravan predates 1992, consider etching the VIN onto windows. This can also be written in permanent marker on the inside of cupboards, along with your postcode. If the caravan is stolen, this simple measure could help to identify your property.

When investing in security products for your caravan, always go to a reputable business like BEC Ingoldmells who have the experience to advise and who stock only quality products that you can trust. Our range of  Safety and Security products offers everything to protect your caravan against theft and keep it safe.