Australians are embracing caravan trips more than ever.
The ball started rolling with the pandemic when travel-starved Aussies turned to domestic trips when overseas borders closed.
And the trend is showing no signs of slowing down, with the latest statistics finding that in the year ending 2023, Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips for a spend of $14.3 billion. This exceeded pre-COVID levels and was at an all-time high.
Which is great for Australian travel, but with all that money and caravan and van assets hitting the road, comes a new problem: theft and damage.
Data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows that in the 12 months to June 2024, the theft of 174 caravans occurred, up almost 67 per cent since 2022. Of course, that doesn’t take into account theft of your gear such as fishing rods, bikes and eskies, many of which will never be reported or recovered.
So what can you do to protect your van or caravan from theft and damage?
Lock it up
When your caravan or van is out of action, if at all possible try to make sure it is securely stored away.
If you can, store your van or caravan in a locked shed. If that is not possible, make sure it is stored in a well lit, highly visible area.
Another thief-busting trick is to park it with the hitch facing away from the road. This makes it so much harder for a thief to simply hook it up and drive away.
It may also pay to research professional storage spaces, or advertise in your local area to see if anyone could store your caravan for a fee.
And, of course, always keep all doors and windows locked when the caravan is not in use.
Don’t make it easy
Consider anti-theft devices such as wheel clamps, coupling padlocks and hitch locks. Neigbourhood Watch even recommends threading high grade steel cable through your wheels and padlock it for extra security.
Apart from keeping your caravan safe, the visual deterrent should discourage an attempt in the first place.
Take it away
It seems obvious, but never leave valuables and personal belongings in your caravan when it’s not in use. A thief may work out they can’t tow your van away with the suggestions above, but with a swift kick to the door lock, they may be able to help themselves to what’s inside.
Let’s face it, camping gear can be expensive. When we were kids, it was a canvas tent, a blow-up bed, a sweaty sleeping bag and an open fire to cook on. Not anymore.
It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars setting up your van, and add more if you have spent some time on the road and it’s your home away from home.
Don’t leave it to temptation. If you can’t securely lock your van away, make sure the contents are at least secured.
An easy way to avoid the hassle is to hire larger or more expensive equipment such as camp kitchens, satellite phones or sleeping gear. Once your trip is over, it’s not your problem.
A quick online search will find you plenty of hire options. Some companies will even deliver and pick up the equipment. It almost makes me want to go camping. Almost.
Second level security
Even if you can lock it away, it’s also a good idea to mark your property using an engraver or ultraviolet pen. These can be bought online or at office supply stores.
For items you can’t mark such as jewellery, take photos and store them online. If possible, add the make and model. You may need them for insurance claims. In fact, take photos of everything, it can’t hurt and your insurance company may thank you.
And don’t think alarm systems are just for your home. You can also buy van and caravan-specific systems, including sensor lights.
On the road
No matter how long you are away from your van, from a quick nip down the paddock to ‘water the horses’ to a half-price steak night at the local RSL, always lock it up securely. You could also use some of the above suggestions such as wheel clamps and hitch locks.
Hide a tracking device somewhere in the vehicle, and maybe even more than one.
If you are carrying any big gear such as kayaks or bikes, make sure they are either secured to your vehicle or have a secure, mean-looking locking device that should deter thieves.
And always, always, buy insurance.
Do you have any tips to add? Why not share them in the comments section below?
Also read: A state-by-state guide for on-road costs
