Caravan Security

These days people have to be security concious, especially with the amount of burgaleries on the increase and the threat of vandalism always present. We used to only worry about our homes and cars, but now your caravan needs just as much protection. Many insurance companies require you to have wheel and/or hitch locks.

Hitch locks and hitch lock posts There are many manufacturers of hitch locks, some are definitely better than others. Make sure the lock uses real keys and not just a screw in bolt with holes drilled in as these can be undone using a pair of long nosed pliers, as I proved to some friends of ours. A hitch lock that covers the tow hitch completely does the job very well, stopping the chance of a crowbar being used on the ball joint to force it open. Most new caravans come with a good quality hitch lock built into the tow socket. Hitch lock posts are used in conjunction with hitch locks, they fix the front of the van to a post using your tow hitch socket.

Wheel locks A hitch lock alone on your caravan won't stop people moving it, for this you will need  a good wheel lock. With a wheel lock on your caravan the chances of someone vanishing with your pride and joy will be reduced significantly. It stops the chances of your van being pushed down the road and on to the back of a flatbed lorry.

Pillar locks Pillar locks can be placed in front of driveways or gates to stop the movement of vehicles on or off land where you van may be stored. Alternately you could position pillar locks in front of your van so it cannot be moved or turned.

Chains and Anchor posts Chaining you caravan to something large and immobile will also stop people driving off with it. A large chain through the caravan chassis and through an anchor post or round a tree will stop most thieves, especially if used in conjunction with other locks. Remember, a good strong chain is only as strong as the padlock that fixes it together, make sure the padlock is saw proof and crowbar proof.

Alarms Caravan alarms are becoming more popular, they are useful if your van is kept in your driveway or near to houses that will be able to hear it an act on it if the alarm goes off. The alarm is also useful if you are on holiday on a camp site when your van gets broken into. The alarm is a warning to you that something is happening to you van and hopefully a deterent to thieves to leave it alone.

Roof lettering Another method of security is identity numbers on your van incase it does get stolen. These letters are about 12" high and are stuck to the roof, once on they are not easy to remove, also they cannot be seen from the ground, so chances are the thieves wouldn't know of the lettering so wouldn't try to remove it. The letters can be your post code or registration number. The use of large letters on the roof of your caravan could help police track its movements. With the increase in overhead fixed cameras with character recognition on our main roads it is possible for the police to read these id numbers so making it easier for them to track stolen vehicles.