Caravan thefts on the rise

The RACV motoring group and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are reminding caravan owners to keep their vans secure, with caravan thefts or attempted thefts in the state of Victoria reaching the highest level in 10 years.

Data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows that in the 12 months to June 2024, 174 caravans were stolen, up almost 67 per cent since 2022.

“While vans may not seem as appealing an item to steal due to their size, the data is showing that thefts of these usually highly valuable assets are still occurring and, in fact, they are on the rise," RACV General Manager Motoring Jeff Ames said.

So what's the best way to stop a thief from stealing your pride and joy?

Ames recommends having the right caravan insurance in place as an important first step in 'thief-proofing' your van, while Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon said you should endeavour to keep your neighbours informed if you’re heading away so they can look out for any unusual or suspicious behaviour.

“It’s also important to remember that your van is highly visual. If it is normally parked in your drive or front yard, when you do take it on a trip it’s more obvious that you are away from home – so extra security such as sensor lights, locks, and timers will help to protect your home," she said.

Caravan security tips:

• Insure your caravan and find an insurance policy to match how you use your caravan or trailer.

• When travelling with your caravan, aim to have the van’s hitch facing away from the access road, making it harder for thieves to swiftly hook the van up and drive away.

• Lock the caravan doors at all times when not at your van while travelling, as well as once you’ve turned in for the night.

• Don’t hide the keys to your van in an accessible or visible location in or around the van.

• When at home, park your van behind a locked gate or in a shed, where possible, or consider using a storage facility with strong security.

• Consider using a wheel clamp for security or tracking device on the vehicle to reduce the chance of theft or to monitor the van’s movements if stolen.