How secure is your caravan?
The theft of a caravan belonging to a soon-to-be grey nomad who is suffering from terminal cancer has highlighted in the most heartbreaking way a growing problem facing RV owners.
The criminals who took Danny Hancock’s Jayco Silverline from outside his home in Burleigh Heads in Queensland used boltcutters to cut chains. The 64-year-old grandfather, who is battling metastasised prostate cancer and has been volunteering at the Commonwealth Games, had been planning to set off on his dream trip around Australia in the next few weeks … but that now looks unlikely to happen.
And sadly, this is far from an isolated incident. While it is difficult to get accurate information on just how many vans are stolen each year in Australia, reports suggest the figure could be around 500.
Exactly one year ago, solo grey nomad Rhonda S had her Big Lap derailed when her 22’ Aussie Wide Waratah caravan was stolen.
“As I lived in the van all my possessions were gone with the van … it was just such a kick in the guts,” said Rhonda. “I had a tow bar lock on it but that didn’t stop them.”
While Rhonda was insured, she says she undervalued her contents … and is still dreaming of maybe getting back on the road some time.
Tony Maddison, a director at Leisure Technologies which sells the WiTi anti-theft device for caravans and camper trailers, says insurance companies are often reluctant to divulge figures about caravan thefts.
“What is scary is that it seems stolen vans are seldom recovered, and where they go to and what happens to them is a mystery,” he said. “But it’s pretty alarming … it seems to be a daily occurrence!”
Queensland motoring organisation, the RACQ, says the first thing that caravanners and motorhomers should do is to take out adequate insurance. And it says devices such as immobilisers, motion sensor lighting, security cameras, and alarms can all be effective in scaring away thieves.
While they maybe not enough to stop a persistent thief, the RACQ believes that locking devices such as a padlock and chain, or a wheel lock, or coupling lock, can help keep vans just a little safer. And it argues that even where you park your van can make a difference.
“When you’re at a caravan park, park in sight of other caravanners but not too close to an exit,” the RACQ said. “The harder it is for the thief to navigate out of the van park without being seen, the better.”
And, if all of this is not enough, the organisation says that installing a GPS tracking system on your caravan will at least give the police a head start if it goes missing.
GPS tracking system seems to be the best option. As many stolen vans are rebirthed owners should also consider putting some small marks on the exterior of the caravan. These marks would not be obvious to others including the thieves. If you later see a van which looks like your stolen van a simple walk past should help confirm this. Whatever ever you do don’t give low lifes an even break.
I also own a Jayco Silverline Outback, and am security aware. I have 3 deterrents. The first is an articulated tow hitch that will not fit a standard tow ball. The second is a Nemesis Wheel Clamp. Last but not least is a Black Knight GPS Tracker. These precautions cost approximately $1500 dollars, but worth the peace of mind on my $100,000 dollar investment. The only thing that annoys me is the insurance companies will not give me a discount when I tell them about the precautions that I have taken.
Cheers,
Ralph.
Insurance companies don’t care about your van. They build in a percentage on every policy for theft. Same for cars. I have an immobiliser that when fitted by an electrician makes it nearly impossible to steal. All insurance companies will Not give any discount when my product is fitted. WHY????. The immobiliser can’t be shorted out or rewired unless the whole wiring loom is re-wired. Thieves don’t have the time.
How about we use this site to list the rego numbers of stolen Caravans, write it down members and stick it to the top of your inside windscreen, if you spot it within 2 weeks we have a great chance of getting them back. Would be a great game for the kids in tow.
Sounds great
That would be the first thing to be removed
We have a wi-ti device installed in our van. After hearing about van thefts and how they get by the trailer hitch locks, we wanted to do what we could to protect our recent investment. More expensive than a trailer lock, but we believe it will be more effective. Having a lock on your front door isn’t enough to deter thieves. We need to take further precautions to secure our vans. Really appreciate wi-ti is offering a new way to protect our investment.
I am frustrated reading every week with vans being stolen. I don’t understand if you have an expensive van/ motor home why you would Not install one of many excellent tracking devices that is available on the market, that is install on your vehicle that can easily be tracked..
I’m reluctant to say anything about the scum that do this for fear of being barred. They are the lowest of the low
Very sad you work hard and people just dont care you should look on caravan and camping on Facebook the amount of things that get stolen is criminal and insurance doesn’t cover the emotional pain and loss you feel and your broken dreams
So sad, can we do a fundraiser page to help him get another van
My caravan is a 45 year old York. I dont think the crims are very intrested. I have a tow bar lock and it is insuere. 🙂
How can ?500 stolen vans be rebadged and on sold is beyond comprehension given the so called checks and balances of the transport authoities in each state. It would be assumed that they would identify any changes in chassis numbers and other key identifing features. It is a sad day when a persons possessions are not safe anywhere without the necessity to spent countless dollars to maintain security. Absolute bastards are the perpetrators of these crimes.
Yes
10000
At 1$ a van….sure it would have to work