Theft protection for motorhome and caravan
The number of thefts in the motorhome sector is on the rise—in recent months this has repeatedly led to headlines and heated discussions. Therefore, it is important to take some precautions, as caravans and motorhomes have a number of critical areas that require extra protection.
Clearly, there is no such thing as absolute security. Even the most cautious individuals with the best equipment are never one hundred percent protected against thieves. However, you can make life much more difficult for criminals through various measures, which may discourage them from targeting your vehicle, or prevent them from trying at all.
Camping vehicles have become highly sought after in recent years—not just among campers but unfortunately also among thieves. That's why, at AL-KO VT, we are constantly developing our product range in an effort to stay one step ahead.
Of course, even we cannot offer one hundred percent protection. However, in practice, it has proven to be highly effective to combine different theft protection devices—since the longer it takes a criminal to get access to or into a vehicle, the greater the chance they will abandon their attempt.
Lukas Schwehr, Senior Product Manager, AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group
General safety tips
Your own behaviour can already contribute to the protection of your vehicle. For instance, it is advisable to park your camper only in well-lit areas that are easily visible at night.
Doors, windows, rooflights, and storage flaps should always be kept locked—both when you are away from the camper and at night. Ideally, hide your valuables and close windows or blinds so that opportunists cannot immediately tell whether the motorhome or caravan is currently occupied. Leaving a light on can also give the impression that the owners are inside. Most burglars are put off by this, as they generally seek a quick and uncomplicated opportunity.
When it comes to spending the night, the police repeatedly and urgently advise against stopping at service stations and motorway lay-bys. Instead, use a secure campsite or at least an official motorhome pitch. Almost all incidents reported in the media so far have taken place at such lay-bys—regardless of whether other campers or lorry drivers were parked nearby, or the victims stood on their own. Other people do not offer sufficient protection!
Particularly vulnerable spots on typical recreational vehicles include windows, rooflights, habitation doors, and storage flaps. These can often be forced open easily with little effort and simple tools. On motorhomes and panel vans, the vehicle doors are also a frequent target. They are often opened either mechanically or via so-called "replay attacks". Caravans, on the other hand, can be easily hitched up to an unauthorised towing vehicle or towed away if no additional security system is fitted.
Specialist retailers offer a range of mechanical and electronic devices at various price points, which can be fitted either individually or in combination at different points on and inside the camper.
Theft protection specifically for caravans
High-security wheel clamp for the caravan: AL-KO VT PROSAFE
Attractive and highly effective at the same time: the heavy-duty wheel clamp AL-KO VT PROSAFE sets new standards in theft protection. With its complex construction made of various fillers and its special locking cylinder, it puts even experienced criminals to the test—quickly overcoming the lock is a thing of the past!
Despite this high level of security, handling the AL-KO VT PROSAFE is remarkably easy. Installation and removal can be done in seconds using the matching key, anywhere you happen to be. The integrated contact protection also prevents damage to your caravan’s wheel rim. And with the sturdy, sustainable storage box made from recycled plastic, the wheel clamp always remains neatly packed on your travels.
Security locks for the caravan as theft protection
Coupling head locks: With a coupling head lock, the coupling head and handle are surrounded by a solid metal shell and secured with a lockable bolt. This prevents the caravan from being unhitched from your own towing vehicle and coupled to another vehicle without permission. A small hard-plastic ball inserted into the coupling mouth ensures that potential thieves cannot, for instance, attach and tow the caravan with a hook. These locks can generally be left in place whilst driving and also help prevent the coupling head from accidentally coming off the towbar.
Pin locks for steadies
Pin locks for steadies: With the steadies extended, caravans are already somewhat protected against quick "getaways". In this state, thieves cannot simply tow the caravan away. In addition, steady pin locks can be fitted to prevent the steadies from being wound back up.
Security solutions specifically for motorhomes/panel vans
Steering wheel clamps: A steering wheel clamp is a simple and affordable mechanical protection device that—as the name suggests—secures the steering wheel and significantly hinders unauthorised use of the vehicle.
Clamp bars for vehicle doors: To prevent burglars from entering through the base vehicle doors, a security bar can be used, holding the door handles firmly together as required.
Anti-replay attack modules: Clever thieves often exploit a security vulnerability in the remote central locking system of base vehicles. This problem affects almost all common vehicles (Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, and Iveco Daily from model year 2006 onwards). The codes transmitted from the remote control to the central locking system can be intercepted using special devices within a range of up to 50 metres. Burglars can then later use these codes to gain entry. If you do not want to manually lock and unlock your motorhome each time, consider installing a special security module which replaces the vehicle-side receiver for the central locking system, preventing code duplication.
Theft protection for all recreational vehicles
Alarm systems: An alarm system provides acoustic protection for the vehicle. In the event of a break-in or theft, an alarm signal is triggered to alert campsite neighbours, passers-by, or the rightful owner. Offers in this area range from simple wireless contacts for windows and doors to highly complex systems with anti-jamming functions, motion sensors, GPS trackers, gas detectors, and other advanced supplementary modules.
Tracking systems: With a tracking system, you can determine the current location and/or travel history of the vehicle. There is an extensive range of options, including technical versions, tracking capabilities, and price classes. Often on top of purchase costs, there are also monthly or annual service fees. Since many criminals now use signal jammers, make sure that the system you choose is equipped with an 'anti-jamming' function.
Reinforced window profiles: To make it more difficult to pry open habitation windows, reinforced window profiles can be fitted. These are usually made of metal and are much more robust than standard plastic profiles.
Retrofittable door locks or strike plates: Additional protection for habitation doors can be achieved with metal locks or strike plates, which can usually be retrofitted quickly and easily. Forcing them requires considerable effort—another effective deterrent for many thieves.
Safes: A safe installed inside the vehicle protects your most important documents, credit cards, or cash in case of a break-in. Be sure to choose a safe of good quality, as thieves today often use heavy-duty tools.
Gas detectors: The much-discussed risk of a "gas attack" continues to be controversial. There is still no definitive evidence as to whether and how often these actually occur. However, many campers report that they have fallen victim to such crimes. If you wish to protect yourself, you can install a gas detector that reacts to so-called "knock-out gases". Most devices also warn against leaking propane or butane—in itself a good reason to consider such a purchase.
Don't panic!
Travelling with motorhome and caravan is very safe
Even though figures may at times sound dramatic and those who have suffered theft or burglary are understandably shocked, it must be emphasised that travelling with a motorhome or caravan is in general very safe. Break-ins and thefts are—fortunately—still exceptional cases and can be very effectively countered by applying some of the measures described above.
We wish you safe and care-free travels at all times!
