Theft protection for motorhome and caravan
The number of thefts in the motorhome sector is rising – in recent months in particular, this has repeatedly made headlines and sparked heated discussions. That's why it’s important to take precautions, as both caravans and motorhomes have a number of vulnerable areas that need extra protection.
It’s clear: absolute security is impossible. Even the most cautious owners with the best equipment are never 100% safe from thieves. Nevertheless, there are various measures you can take to make life harder for criminals—so that they might give up or not even try.
"Recreational vehicles have been extremely popular in recent years—not only among campers but unfortunately also among thieves. That’s why at AL-KO VT, we continuously develop our product range and always try to stay one step ahead.
Of course, we cannot offer absolute protection. However, in practice, it has proven effective to combine different theft-deterrent devices—the longer it takes a criminal to get in or at a vehicle, the more likely they are to give up on the attempt!”
Lukas Schwehr, Senior Product Manager, AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group
General safety tips
Your own behaviour can already help protect your vehicle. For example, it is advisable to park your motorhome only in places that are clearly visible and well-lit at night.
Doors, windows, roof hatches and locker flaps should always be kept locked – whether you're leaving your motorhome or at night. Ideally, valuables should be hidden and windows or blinds closed so that thieves cannot immediately see whether the motorhome or caravan is currently occupied. A light left on increases the impression that someone is at home. This alone is often a significant deterrent, as most burglars are looking for quick, uncomplicated opportunities.
When it comes to overnight stays, the police repeatedly issue urgent warnings to avoid service stations and motorway rest areas, and instead recommend using a secure campsite or at least an official motorhome pitch. Almost all incidents reported in the media have occurred at rest areas – regardless of whether other campers or lorry drivers were parked nearby or the victims were alone. The presence of other people does not provide sufficient protection!
Particularly vulnerable areas on typical recreational vehicles include windows, roof hatches, habitation doors and locker flaps. These can be forced open using little effort and simple tools. For motorhomes and panel vans, vehicle doors are also a point of attack, often being opened either mechanically or through so-called "replay attacks". Caravans, on the other hand, without additional security systems, can easily be hitched up to an unauthorised towing vehicle or towed away.
Specialist retailers offer a range of mechanical and electronic devices in various price brackets, which can be fitted individually or in combination to different areas on and in the motorhome.
Theft protection specifically for caravans
High-security wheel clamp for caravans: AL-KO VT PROSAFE
Eye-catching yet a strong deterrent: the robust wheel clamp AL-KO VT PROSAFE sets new standards in theft protection. With a complex structure of different filling materials and a special lock cylinder, even experienced thieves will have a hard time – “quick break-ins” become a thing of the past!
This level of security does not need to be complicated. On the contrary: The AL-KO VT PROSAFE is exceptionally easy to use. Both fitting and removal can be done in seconds with the right key, wherever you are. The built-in contact protection prevents any damage to your caravan's wheel rim, and the robust, sustainable storage box made of recycled plastic keeps the clamp safely stowed away even when you’re travelling.
Security locks for caravans as theft protection
Drawbar locks: With a drawbar lock, the coupling head and handle are enclosed by a solid metal casing and secured with a lockable bolt. This prevents the caravan from being uncoupled from your own towing vehicle and hooked up to another vehicle without permission. A small hard plastic ball placed in the coupling head ensures that potential thieves cannot, for example, hang and tow the caravan away using a hook. These locks can usually remain fitted to the coupling even while driving, and also protect against accidental uncoupling from the towbar.
Steady locks
Locking pins for steadies: When the caravan steadies are lowered, they already provide a certain degree of protection against a quick getaway. In this position, thieves cannot easily tow the caravan away. Additional steady locks can be fitted to prevent the steadies from being wound back up.
Theft protection specifically for motorhomes/panel vans
Steering wheel locks: A steering wheel lock is a simple and cost-effective mechanical protection which, as the name suggests, secures the steering wheel, making unauthorised driving away considerably more difficult.
Locking bars for vehicle doors: To prevent burglars from accessing the base vehicle through its doors, a security bar can be fitted as needed, holding the door handles firmly together.
Anti-replay modules: Clever thieves often exploit a security loophole in the central locking remote control of the base vehicle. Almost all common vehicles (Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper and Iveco Daily from production year 2006 onwards) are affected by this problem. The codes transmitted by the remote control to the central locking can be intercepted by special devices in the vicinity (up to around 50 metres) and later used by thieves to open the vehicle. If you do not want to lock and unlock your motorhome manually every time, you should consider purchasing a special security module to replace the central locking receiver, preventing code copying.
Theft protection for all recreational vehicles
Alarm systems: An alarm system provides an acoustic warning if there is a break-in or theft, alerting neighbouring campers, passers-by or the rightful owner. Options range from basic wireless sensors for doors and windows to highly advanced systems with anti-jamming function, motion detectors, GPS trackers, gas detectors and further sophisticated modules.
Tracking systems: With a tracking system you can determine the current location and/or movement patterns of your vehicle. There is a vast range of products available in various technical configurations, tracking options and price points. Often, in addition to the initial purchase costs, there will be ongoing monthly or annual service fees. Since many criminals now use jamming devices, it is vital to ensure the system features an anti-jamming function.
Reinforced window profiles: To make it more difficult to prise open windows, reinforced window frames can be fitted. These are generally made of metal and are much sturdier than standard plastic profiles.
Retrofit door locks or strike plates: Metal door locks or strike plates are easy to retrofit, providing extra security for the habitation door. Considerable force would be needed to force entry, which acts as a powerful additional deterrent.
Safes: A built-in safe protects your most valuable documents, credit cards or cash in the event of a break-in. When purchasing, ensure you select high-quality construction, as thieves often operate with heavy-duty tools nowadays.
Gas detectors: The much-discussed "gas attack" topic is contentious. It remains unproven whether and to what extent gas-based thefts actually occur. Nevertheless, there are repeated reports from campers who credibly claim to have fallen victim to such incidents. If you wish to protect yourself, you can install a gas detector that responds to so-called "knockout gases". The advantage: most devices also detect leaking propane and butane—so investing in such a detector makes sense for this reason alone.
No need to panic!
Travelling with a motorhome or caravan is very safe
Although theft figures often sound alarming, and victims naturally find a break-in or loss of valuables and vehicle extremely distressing, it must be emphasised that travelling with a motorhome or caravan is in fact very safe overall. Break-ins and thefts remain very rare exceptions and can be countered extremely effectively by using some of the measures mentioned above.
We wish you safe and worry-free travels at all times!
