While this van theft story may well have a happy ending for the owner, many do not.

And beyond the bald statistics about the number of RV thefts, or police crime reports, each and every one of these incidents can have a devastating effect on the lives of real people seeking to live their dreams.

A few years ago, solo grey nomad Rhonda Scholz had her Big Lap derailed when her 22’ Aussie Wide Waratah caravan was stolen near Ipswich in Queensland.

She was housesitting at the time and the van was parked in the front yard of the property and had a tow ball lock. Rhonda believes she was targeted by thieves who knew exactly what they were doing.

Speaking a year after the theft of her van and all of her possessions inside it, Rhonda said the incident had been a ‘kick in the guts’.

“I lost everything when the van was stolen except for a very few clothes, my handbag and laptop,” she said. “I was covered by insurance for the van but the contents were way, way underinsured …  I lost all my jewellery, which was substantial, plus jewellery from my mother and other items which belonged to my father, plus many other personal items.

Rhonda had to spend a lot of money buying new clothes and was also given household items by friends.

“The theft shook me for many months and it still hurts but I have had to make myself move on,” she said.

After eventually buying a new van, Rhonda said security was much higher on her priority list.

“My new van now has an improved tow ball lock with an alarm, two wheel clamps, and a GPS, so hopefully it doesn’t happen again,” she said.

• What measures do you take to try to prevent the theft of your caravan or motorhome? Comment below.