Caravan owners urged to ramp up security

Caravan owners have been encouraged to install extra security measures to ensure their vehicles are protected from thieves.

It is believed that as many as 4,000 caravans are stolen in the UK each year, with few ever being returned to their rightful owners.*

The surge in popularity of caravanning coupled with supply chain problems has created a lucrative market for stolen leisure vehicles, with criminals attracted by their high resale value.

With over half a million touring caravans across the country, the scope for theft is vast, so it is vital that caravan owners take precautions to make life as difficult as possible for would-be thieves.**

Caravans can be an easy target if not adequately secured, with determined thieves able to hook up and tow them away in a matter of minutes.

Worryingly, new data from insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk has revealed that many touring caravan owners may not have adequate security measures in place to protect against theft.

According to insurance data from the first six months of 2025, the most common security feature employed by caravanners across the UK are hitch locks, with 86 per cent of owners using them to protect their vehicles.

While a hitch lock is an important visual deterrent that provides some protection, it is generally recommended that they are used in conjunction with other preventative measures to maximise security.

However, Quotezone has found that many caravan owners do not have any additional security in place.

Only half of caravanners (51%) use a wheel clamp as a deterrent, while around 44% have an alarm installed. Other security measures are used even less frequently, such as trackers (13%), security cameras (10%) and motion sensors (8%). Security posts were the least commonly used feature, with just 5% of caravanners having them fitted.  

Meanwhile, around one in three customers chose not to add contents cover to their policies, meaning their valuables and other personal possessions stored in their caravans are not protected against theft, loss or damage.

Lee Evans, caravan insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Caravan theft is big business for criminals, with organised crime groups often stealing to order or selling the vehicles on to unsuspecting buyers. With that in mind, there has never been a more important time to make sure that you have taken the appropriate steps to protect your caravan.

“Many insurers will require that you use at least one or two safety measures, usually a wheel clamp or hitch lock, before they will provide cover. While these devices provide a good first line of defence and may serve to deter opportunistic thieves, they likely won’t be enough to stop determined criminals, who can defeat them using the right tools.

“That is why it is worth investing in a combination of preventative measures to enhance your security. For comprehensive protection, you may want to consider adding an alarm, GPS tracking or even CCTV cameras that can be monitored remotely using a smartphone app.

“Not only will this added layer of security provide you with greater peace of mind, it can also save you money on your insurance, as the more secure your caravan, the more likely it is that providers will view you as a lower risk and offer discounts on your premium.”

Aside from installing physical or electronic security devices, there are several other simple steps caravan owners can take to protect their vehicles from thieves.

If storing a caravan at home, parking it nose first to the house will make it more difficult for thieves to access and tow away.

Also, make sure to keep personal possessions and valuables secure and out of sight when leaving the caravan unattended or at night and consider investing in a safe. 

Lastly, it is important that owners register their vehicles with the National Caravan Council (NCC), so that if the worst does happen and the vehicle is stolen, there is a greater chance it will be traced and recovered.

Quotezone.co.uk helps over 4 million people every year find savings on all sorts of products such as car, motorhome and caravan insurance – with the launch of a new caravan insurance comparison page coming soon in September 2025.

References:
*https://movingintelligence.co.uk/blogs/general-news/4-000-caravans-are-stolen-in-the-uk-each-year
**https://www.claimsconsortiumgroup.co.uk/2024/03/28/expert-solutions-to-address-the-persistent-issue-of-caravan-theft/