At a glance
Discover our tips for avoiding theft in your caravan or motorhome so you can enjoy your trips safely.
Plenty of thefts from caravans and motorhomes!
Break-ins, thefts or burglaries in caravans or motorhomes are unfortunately common, especially during the holiday season. As a tourist, as soon as you leave your vehicle unattended to go and explore the place you've stopped at, your caravan or motorhome risks becoming the target of ill-intentioned people. It's also not uncommon to come face to face with a burglar in the middle of the night.
How can you reduce the risk of theft? Here are a few tips that can help.
Speed is key for thieves
For a thief, the key feature of any type of theft is that it must be done quickly, without being seen and - of course - without being caught in the act or being able to be identified. Theft from a caravan usually takes only a few minutes. A thief will therefore tend to target a vehicle that's poorly protected or unprotected, easily accessible, and where they're confident of finding an interesting haul.
Precautions before you leave
Belongings and equipment: Before you leave, it's important to sort through what you're taking with you. Avoid any unnecessary or (highly) valuable items, and prefer using a credit card rather than carrying cash.
Be inventive and create a hard-to-access spot where you can store certain valuables. Choose spots known only to you, rather than the ones designed by the manufacturer (which thieves may also know about).
The inventory: Make an inventory of what you're bringing. Take a photo of your most valuable items (including the TV, computer equipment...), as well as of where they're stored inside the vehicle. Of course, also take photos of your vehicle (with the number plate clearly visible).
These photos may serve as evidence or be useful when filing a theft report (police, insurance). Even better: have your valuables engraved (e.g. with your initials or national ID number). This will make it easier to find their owner. Keep the inventory (and photos) safe or in your email account.
Anti-theft devices: There are various anti-theft or alarm systems available (gear lever lock, pedal lock, handbrake lock, gearbox lock, sound alarm, vehicle tracking app, engine immobiliser, etc). Make sure you have one, depending on the type of vehicle you're using. Also make sure you have a good anti-theft system for any equipment attached to your caravan or motorhome.
Locks, doors, hatches/windows...: these are often quite fragile and therefore easy to force open. Try to reinforce or secure them if possible. A sturdy padlock can already have a deterrent effect!
A tip to make it easier to find a stolen caravan or motorhome: have your windows or bodywork marked, and put a (large) visual marking on the roof that allows your vehicle to be recognised from the sky (in case it's spotted by drone or helicopter).
Precautions on site
Choosing your spot carefully:
Find out as much as you can about where you're parking your vehicle. Without knowing it, a spot chosen at random can turn out to be particularly exposed to theft or vandalism.
Beware of motorway service areas or rest areas along busy roads. A large number of thefts take place in these locations.
Stopping at a petrol station? Never leave the doors open and/or the keys in the ignition. Many drivers get caught out this way!
Parking the vehicle:
Use a wheel chock to prevent your vehicle from moving. Turn the wheels towards the pavement or the edge of the road, lock the hitching system and/or remove the jockey wheel.
Many holidaymakers look for peaceful spots (green and secluded) to park their vehicle. Be careful, however, of any nearby hiding places (bushes, low walls...) that could make things easier for a thief.
Social oversight isn't always effective. It's of course always recommended to have good contact with your immediate neighbours, but relying on them to keep an eye on your belongings isn't always effective. Many holidaymakers who've been robbed complain about other people's indifference.
Belongings:
Be careful with any valuables you take out of the vehicle and leave outside unattended. Generators are often targeted by thieves, but so are bikes, barbecues and other leisure items.
When you're away:
Take your vehicle documents with you or store them somewhere safe, and make sure to properly close or lock doors and hatches. Don't leave valuables (or money) in plain sight, draw the curtains. Activate the anti-theft device.
Stolen items or a break-in! What should you do?
- Immediately make an inventory of any stolen or damaged items. Don't touch any evidence (e.g. damage caused by the break-in) until the police have carried out their assessment. Look around for anyone who might be able to give a witness statement.
- File a report with the police, and add any useful evidence or witness statement. Leave your contact details and travel itinerary with the police (in case what was stolen is found). Contact your insurer or baggage insurer as soon as possible. In certain circumstances, the baggage option of Redion contracts provides for financial compensation.
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