Grey nomads are being warned to be particularly security conscious following a surge in the number of caravan thefts.
Without the option of overseas holidays, Australians are buying caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers in mind-boggling numbers and it is thought this may have triggered the RV-centred crime spree.
“We are not sure as to the exact reason for the thefts,” said Senior Constable Brad Foster, Crime Prevention officer for the Tweed Byron Police District. “However, we believe some of the contributing factors could be the increased demand for vans within Australia at the moment and the significant delays in manufacture of new vans.”
He warned that the trend also meant that RV buyers had to be careful, as well.
“With an increased number of people wanting to travel within Australia, this could be an incentive for those opportunistic criminals to steal vans and offload them to unsuspecting people looking to purchase vans for personal use,” said Senior Constable Foster.
Police suggest that any van that is not being used should be parked in clear view of the public and have some kind of anti-theft device fitted, either some kind of wheel clamp or tow hitch lock.
The also urge that valuables are always secured and not left in a visible location.
Tweed Heads Police are also appealing for help in locating the most recently stolen caravan … a 21’Jayco Sterling. It was stolen between some time between 9pm on March 15 and 7am the following day from an address in Ocean Shores. It has Queensland plates: 653QUF
To those who maybe purchasing, never put any money down unless you can physically see what you are buying. Make a note of the Chassis/ Vin numbers and do a REVS check, these will let you know if the vehicle is stolen etc.
REVS is now a PPSR check and covers units from all states and territories.
Remove a wheel or two hide wheels and nuts and lower axle to the ground. Makes it darn hard to pinch
Chain other wheels and towball lock
Thank you so much for your anti theft hints. Definitely going to do that.
Remove the jockey wheel & put the A frame on an axle stand they can wind a jockey wheel but can’t lift the van
Also if laying a slab for the van cement a high tensile chain into the slab then get a big pad lock & chain the van to the slab
Yes good tip. Jockey wheel removal anything to make it harder to pinch
Even remove the hitch if it is bolt on type. It’s only 4 bolts only takes seconds for you to remove with cordless ratlegun
Only minutes if you don’t have one but makes it very difficult for rotten scoundrel VB theives
Don’t for get the weak part is the safety chains, pintail hook a few D shackles and away the go. Yah don’t need a tow ball or even a van with a coupling lock is just the same as not having a lock/removed ball mount. If they really want the van it only takes a tow truck
As well as hitch locks, wheel chains, try and park your van hitch inwards, not facing the road. Thieves are opportunists, the harder you make it for them the better.
We were housesitting in Gordonvale FNQ for 2 months in August, September 2014 and had occasion 1 Friday night to go outside to a vehicle noise. Big V8 diesel tilt tray backed up the road and was checking out my Ford Ranger. I found out later while buying some stainless chain to chain my vehicle to the van, that some Rangers had gone missing as the2012 back of them was the same as the U S F150. Also vans were being stolen. After that, I noticed quite a number of vans were being parked nose in around the Cairns greater area. the old saying ” lock it or loose it ” is alive and well.
And watch out for places that have a high-ish population of youth like Mulwalla. The brazen b..ers roam cabins and van parks and lift everything that isnt bolted down, often while people are sitting not far away or cooking at the BBQWs !! . And as usual the Police are aware but I would bet these ratbags are safe unless they break a covid rule.
I bought my Jayco 28 foot motorhome back in 2017, I parked it up at my brother’s place for a few days (I was living in it at the time just to see how it felt), well on the 3rd night around 10pm I felt the van rocking, hmmm. I had all of the blinds and windows closed in, as it turned out some of the local youth tried to access the the van via the top air vent. Well I popped open a couple of the blinds, I heard a few choice expletives from the, I’ll call the robbers, and the chase was on. I couldn’t catch them, they up and bolted down the street. Anyway the next day I booked the motorhome in to get a full home security system installed. 4 video cameras, 3 outside and 1 inside (infra red as well). It cost me $3700.00 but it was worth it. Just for piece of mind.
I agree that portable angle grinders and tow trucks can easily negate most preventive measures, so maybe the best deterrents are cameras and trackers – possibly in addition to the normal mechanical ones. Can anyone recommend any good systems?
I plan to use an old mobile phone with a Telstra $15 monthly data only plan. Keep it permanently charging out of site in the van. If the van gets stolen use Find my Phone or similar to locate it. Optus sim would be better if not for poor coverage.
Make it as awkward as possible, requiring noise to attract attention (as from an angle grinder).The best thing is a tracking device. I was disappointed to learn that my insurance company does not give a discount for installing one.
I have hitch lock, chain through rims and a alarm pad lock under the van. If the van moves the pad lock starts screaming. I know nothing can stop the scum but the harder you make it the better.
Get yourself a dog. Barking dog tied up to the A frame will deter most would be thieves. Locks and chains of all descriptions are virtually useless with the advent of portable electric angle grinders and thin disks.
Hi’
Your only real protection against theft is to be fully covered by insurance,
Just as an example of inadequate coverage is loss due to flooding, bush fires and all the contents including the BBQ chairs and any thing of value.
How many insurers include flood damage up font?, it’s an option on my policy.
off road recovery cost’s if you don’t ask exactly what’s covered you could be in for a lot of heart ache especially with the recent floods in NSW and QLD.
In the early 70’s I had a claim denied on an annex destroyed by high winds, because it was an act of god, they would never get away with it today but they assume you know exactly what is covered and what is not covered, buyer be ware with insurers.
Insurers know you can’t totally prevent theft that’s why they don’t discount on alarms or tracking devices.
Buying vans from private sellers can be risky you need to look at the VIN PLATE closely, along with the stamped on or welded frame number to see if there is any signs of tampering they should match up. check the date of manufacturing then look for the gas/ electrical compliance plate to check the dates match within a couple of months no more. then check with REVS for the owner and most importantly for any outstanding finances.
Regard’s.
I have ordered a bike movement sensor alarm for our van. Not sure how it will work.
WITI security system are easy to install and I have heard great wraps. Still waiting for mine.