Five simple ways to protect your caravan or motorhome from theft
Motorhomes and caravans are a prime target in Australia for thieves, especially as the popularity of taking to the open road continues to grow. Protect your travelling home from criminals with these simple ideas.
While a stolen motorhome or caravan can be a devastating blow financially, it can also be tough emotionally. For many people, their caravan or motorhome is their prized possession, something that may have inspired trips across the country and many cherished memories.
While you can add gadgets and other technological home security measures to your caravan, which will help deter thieves, nothing beats good old-fashioned vigilance.
As the surge in caravan ownership continues in Australia, more cases may be reported where someone has had their prized possession stolen. Make sure it’s not you by following these five simple tips on how to protect your caravan or motorhome from theft.
Be conscious of where you park
When you’re travelling around the country, always be conscious of where you park your caravan or motorhome. To avoid both fines and theft, research the towns you’re passing through or are travelling to, and map out a plan for where you can park your vehicle.
A good tip is to limit your stops before you reach your destination and to avoid parking in darkly lit residential areas altogether to reduce the chances of parking in the wrong area or having your caravan or motorhome stolen.
Mobilise with an immobiliser
Don’t neglect an immobiliser! Protect your motorhome when it’s unattended by installing an immobiliser. This is a device that prevents the engine from being started in your motorhome.
While most vehicle manufacturers now fit these as standard, if you’re buying a used motorhome, either double check it’s already fitted with one or look into getting one installed. When choosing an immobiliser, check to see if its government approved.
Be theft smart
When leaving your caravan or motorhome, make sure windows are locked and keep valuables out of sight. Thieves may look through the windows to see what’s inside before deciding whether to attempt to break in, so give them nothing to see by hiding any valuables, such as laptops, digital cameras and mobile phones.
If you have curtains on your windows, draw these before leaving the vehicle. It can also be worthwhile to install a safe in your caravan or motorhome as a safe place to store your valuables should anyone get inside.
Locked down
Wheel clamps and locks are a popular security measure for caravans as they’re a visual deterrent to would-be thieves. Clamps or locks will also prevent the trailer from being towed away. There are a number of different types and sizes, so make sure you get the right one for your vehicle.
Make some noise
Sensor lights are another simple way of protecting your caravan or motorhome, and will turn on when a person is moving near the vehicle. Like wheel clamps, this could frighten off thieves who may think someone is inside.
There are also a number of alarm systems you can purchase for caravans and motorhomes, which feature GPS systems so you can identify the location of your stolen vehicle. As soon as it detects someone is tampering with your motorhome or caravan, the alarm will sound prompting people nearby to look for the source of the raised alarm or for the thieves to turn tail and run.
A security sticker on the window could also deter thieves from attempting any funny business.