Your Complete Guide on How to Protect Your Motorhome Against Theft

How to protect your motorhome against theft

Purchasing a motorhome is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Once you have this titan of travel in your driveway, suddenly a weekend escape to the country doesn’t seem so difficult, nor an extended summer holiday with the kids. But, just like any big purchase, you should keep the issue of motorhome theft at the forefront of your mind from the very moment you complete your purchase.

If you’re still looking for the perfect new motorhome for you, look no further than our own range of vehicles from the latest brands, including Adria, Bailey, Auto-Trail, Coachman, Swift, Roller Team and Elddis. Prefer to browse our whole range? Why not explore our excellent options of caravans and exemplary campervans too, so that you can be sure that you’re making the perfect choice?

In this blog, we’ll delve into the ways that you can help to protect your motorhome against theft, including home improvements that will deter burglars as well as top tips that will safeguard your vehicle for the future. We’ll even go one step further by outlining the importance of motorhome insurance and identification tags, giving you everything you need for total peace of mind on the open road.

Securing your vehicle against motorhome theft

The key to securing your vehicle against motorhome theft comes down to making the vehicle undesirable for potential burglars, undrivable if they break in and incriminating if they do manage to steal the vehicle. These goals can be achieved with a variety of techniques, some of which are built into the vehicle while others should be purchased as extra accessories.

Essential motorhome protective measures

There are endless security measures you can take to help protect your motorhome, and, when it comes to theft prevention, the more precautions the better. With that being said, three protective measures should be considered utterly essential.

• Alarm system: Most motorhomes will come with an in-built security alarm that will sound when the doors are opened after the vehicle has been locked. You must use this feature whenever you are not in the vehicle and, if an alarm system hasn’t been installed in your new motorhome, explore our accessory shop in-store and prioritise fitting one. To improve the efficacy, use window stickers to tell thieves that you’re using an alarm system.
• Trackers: Although a tracking device on a vehicle sounds like something reserved only for James Bond movies, they should be considered essential for motorhome security. Purchasing a high-quality tracker will link your motorhome with a control centre that can tell you exactly where your vehicle is if it’s stolen. Stickers alerting potential thieves of this will further prevent burglary.
• Immobiliser: An immobiliser is activated whenever your motorhome is turned off and prevents your vehicle from moving, even if it is hot-wired. Some insurance policies require you to have an immobiliser, so it’s a win-win to make sure one is installed immediately after purchase unless the manufacturer has done it for you.

Interior motorhome protective measures

Thieves will take advantage of any weak points or exposed areas of your vehicle, so it’s your job to make the motorhome as undesirable as possible for them to explore. Consider investing in the following protective measures.

• Secure door locks: The easiest way to get into any motorhome is through the front door. While the large majority of models will have sufficient door locks, you may want to consider more expensive secure door locks to bolster your motorhome’s defences such as a Fiamma D Arm or a Thule sliding door lock.
• Clutch locks and pedal clamps: You can get locks for almost every inch of your motorhome, with clutch locks and pedal clamps being among the most essential, totally preventing your vehicle from being driven away.
• Gearstick locks: Similarly to the clutch and pedal lock, a gearstick lock is a simple accessory that makes it impossible to move the vehicle without removal.
• Dashcam: There are several different advantages of having a dashcam. They can prevent theft from happening in the first place and can help provide evidence for your insurance provider and police if the vehicle is stolen.
• Blinds or curtains: As well as being essential for a good night’s sleep, using blinds or curtains will prevent thieves from scoping out the interior of your motorhome. Doing this will limit their knowledge of what valuables may be in the vehicle.
• Steering wheel locks: Add an extra layer of protection by using a steering wheel lock that is visible from outside the vehicle and will prevent thieves from attempting to break in.
• Tracker systems: Companies such as Scorpion and Autowatch provide tracking systems that can be easily installed inside your motorhome. Once installed, you will be able to track the vehicle at all times online, providing unparalleled security.
• Window locks and alarms: Securing locks and/or alarms to your motorhome windows comes in particularly useful when your vehicle is parked on your driveway at home.

Exterior motorhome protective measures

It’s not just within the vehicle itself that can be plastered with preventative security measures, the outside of it can also be fitted with locks, clamps and more that will deter potential thieves.

• Security cameras: Able to be installed both inside and outside your vehicle, small security cameras are ideal for deterring thieves from approaching your vehicle, particularly if you have stickers that indicate their use. However, even if the worst-case scenario happens, security cameras will capture the perpetrators in the act.
• Security film: This clear film works by making your windows stronger, holding the pane together to reinforce it against breakage.
• Wheel clamps: You don’t have to work in law enforcement to use wheel clamps. In fact, using wheel clamps on your stationary motorhome is an excellent way to deter thieves, totally preventing the vehicle from being able to be moved. When not in use, storing at a CASSOA-approved, high-security facility is recommended.
• Motion sensor alarms: Sensing motion around your vehicle and making a loud noise when anything is detected, motion sensors are particularly useful when the vehicle is parked at home.

Preventing motorhome theft at home

Unless you’re the kind of person who loves to travel and rarely stays in one place for long, you’ll likely have your motorhome parked at home for considerable stints of time. No matter if you’re storing the vehicle in a garage or your driveway, there are several key security measures that you can implement.

CCTV options

Home security systems don’t have to be expensive, but they work wonders to deter thieves and capture them in the act if the worst-case scenario occurs. Capturing footage 24/7, home CCTV pointing towards your motorhome would give you total peace of mind but it’s important to also follow government guidelines.

Posts and barriers

Security posts can sometimes take a bit of effort to install in your driveway, but they are extremely worth it concerning how much-added security they provide your motorhome. Choosing a high-quality post made from a strong, durable material is also essential.

Sensor lights

Not only great protection for your motorhome but also your own home, sensor lights turn on when they detect movement, deterring thieves. They also add a safety feature to your own front porch, illuminating the area to prevent slips and trips.

Garage door locks

Invest in a strong garage door lock to add to your existing one if you intend to keep the motorhome inside. This won’t just help keep your vehicle safe, but all your other valuables too.

Extra tips to prevent your motorhome from theft

There’s no such thing as being ‘too safe’, so follow these extra few tips to ensure that you protect yourself against potential theft.

Remove valuables from windows

Protecting your motorhome means doing everything you can to prevent the temptation of thieves. If you’ve left your wallet, your phone or tablet on the car seat, you’re not doing yourself any favours! Make sure all valuables are out of sight, especially when you’re not inside.

Use a safe

Adding to the previous point, better than simply removing your valuables from sight is putting them within a safe of their own, providing yet another layer of protection against thieves. Putting all your valuables in one place is also useful to make sure that you never misplace essential items!

Always lock your motorhome

It may seem obvious to say, but locking your motorhome is imperative, even if you’re only turning your back for a few minutes. A thief doesn’t need long to steal your motorhome, so make sure that you’re always alert by locking the vehicle when no one is inside.

Using unique identification tags

Use technology to your advantage when protecting your motorhome by investing in identification tags that can help track and recover your vehicle if it has been stolen. There are various methods in which this can be done, with VIN and CRiS being the most common:

• CRiS: Standing for Caravan Registration & Identification Scheme, despite its name CRiS can also be used effectively for motorhomes. This scheme creates microdots that contain a unique string of code that’s applied to various parts of the vehicle. Your motorhome is then uploaded to their register, keeping your details in case of theft. Most new caravans come in-built with CRiS identification.
• VIN: It’s very easy to use a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to help recover your motorhome and submit an insurance claim since every vehicle comes equipped with a 17-digit code. Your unique VIN can be used by the relevant authorities to identify your specific vehicle, with more information about its use being listed on the government website.

While these tracking methods are useful to you and the authorities, using stickers to inform thieves that you’re using such identification tags will also deter them from stealing your vehicle in the first place.

Where to park to prevent motorhome theft

While you can put countless measures in place, both within your vehicle and outside of it, to prevent your motorhome from getting stolen, one of the best ways you can deter thieves is to think carefully about where you park. We know large motorhomes like the Swift Kon-Tiki 774 can be difficult to manoeuvre, but assuring its safety should be of paramount importance both when you’re out and about on holiday and when you’re at home.

When you’re travelling, think carefully about where you park your motorhome for long periods, especially when you’re not inside it. Don’t stick out like a sore thumb by parking away from the crowd, and, if you can, look for safe places to leave your vehicle, such as in busier areas that see a higher footfall and where CCTV cameras are likely operating. Unsure of where you can park? Explore the parking rules and regulations for motorhomes in the UK.

Leaving your motorhome on your driveway at home can feel like you’re making it vulnerable to theft, but if you’re cautious and install some security measures such as home security cameras, motion detectors and more, then you’re doing your due diligence. But, to keep your motorhome especially safe, particularly when you might not be using it over winter, consider storing it in a CASSOA facility that provides exemplary high-security security in locations all over the UK.

When are motorhome security measures essential?

Often, it is when you let your guard down and become too relaxed about your security measures that mistakes can be made – motorhome security measures are always essential. No matter if you’re on holiday or are at home, whenever your motorhome is not in direct use, you should apply security measures. This includes when you are sleeping within the vehicle, such as when you’re in a layby overnight – make sure that all habitation doors are firmly locked and clutch locks and pedal clamps are applied.

The need for constant security is the reason why some motorhome owners choose to put their vehicles into dedicated storage units which regularly come with security measures such as CCTV and high-fencing. As long as you’re always diligent with the safety measures that you apply, the risk of motorhome theft is unlikely.

The importance of motorhome insurance

Motorhome insurance is not only important, it’s a legal requirement if you want to take your vehicle on the open road. It’s important to remember, however, that very basic packages may not protect you in the event of theft, so it’s imperative to double-check the terms and conditions before you agree to a deal, especially as some motorhome insurance deals will rely on factors such as the essential use of an immobiliser.

Some insurance firms will even provide extra perks for motorhome customers, for example by providing green cards that permit you to travel in Europe, giving discounts for storage facilities and much more. For a comprehensive motorhome insurance guide explore our blog which gives you everything you need to know to give you peace of mind before you get out onto the road.

What to do if your motorhome is stolen

The key to efficiently reporting a stolen caravan is to act fast – the sooner you can notify the authorities, the more likely it is that they might be able to recover your vehicle. Report the crime to the police and provide as many details as you can about the motorhome, including the make, model, colour and registration number. If you have fitted a tracking device, share the details of the technology with the police to rapidly increase the chances of finding your vehicle.  The more information you can provide, the better. More information about how the Metropolitan police deal with lost or stolen vehicles can be found online.

Before you finish talking with the police, don’t forget to request a crime reference number, with this being of particular interest to your insurance company. Next, inform your insurance company about the theft to start your claim. When claiming, it’s crucial to provide as much information as possible about the theft and motorhome, including:

• Unique, identifiable features about the motorhome, such as specific modifications.
• Registration papers.
• GPS details from recent trips.

Common motorhome theft methods

One of the best ways you can prevent your vehicle from being robbed, or indeed anything inside of it, is to understand the most common methods of motorhome theft. Aside from when motorhomes are broken into through their weakest points (the windows and doors), one of the most common forms of theft comes from the perpetrators using the keys.

As a result, knowing exactly where your motorhome keys are (and any spares) is essential when on holiday at home. Make sure that any keys that correspond to indoor or outdoor locks are detached from the main set of vehicle keys too, as this acts as a further layer of security. Lastly, when stopping off, always make sure to turn the engine off and remove the keys, this will prevent an opportunistic thief from stealing your vehicle.

Buy motorhomes with the latest security measures at Spinney

At Spinney, you can purchase the very latest motorhome models from the greatest brands in the industry, including Roller Team and Swift. These cutting-edge vehicles are fitted with the latest security features that will help you protect your motorhome from theft, making them the perfect choice for newcomers looking for a secure vehicle or seasoned motorhome lovers searching for security.

One of the best ways to discover whether a motorhome is for you is by taking part in our ‘try before you buy’ motorhome hire service. Doing this allows you to get a look and feel for your vehicle before you lock in your decision. Not happy with the motorhome you’ve chosen? Feel free to try out other models and brands with our rental partner being happy to help you in your search for the perfect leisure vehicle.

Explore our range of motorhomes, new caravans and state-of-the-art campervans online, or visit us in-store at any of our Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire or North Wales branches for face-to-face advice from our industry experts. Interested in a new way to explore the open road? Contact us now to discover exactly how we can assist you in your purchase.