Leisure vehicles more likely to be stolen in the run-up to Easter so vigilance is key, says Tracker
Tracker Network UK Limited is advising caravan and motorhome owners to stay alert to the threat of thieves, who are seeking to cash-in on the demand for leisure vehicles. Last year a quarter of all motorhomes and caravans recovered by Tracker were stolen during the months of March and April, as people took their vehicles out of secure storage and got them road-ready in advance of the Easter bank holiday season. As manufacturers continue to struggle with post-pandemic supply issues, pushing prices up, leisure vehicles can be rich pickings for career criminals, so owners must be on their guard.
The warning to caravan owners anticipating an enjoyable Easter staycation, comes as Tracker publishes its 2022 most stolen and recovered vehicle league table. This sees popular tow models from Range Rover and Land Rover, totalling a huge 42% of all stolen cars recovered. Meanwhile, the most expensive leisure vehicle the SVR expert recovered, a Swift Kon-Tiki was worth £70,000 and the least costly was a Swift Sterling Elite Amber valued at £16,000.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, comments: “It’s true that caravans and motorhomes have always been a target for criminals. The total value of both, recovered last year, however, reached an eye-watering £1,344,500. These figures demonstrate that we are not scare-mongering and theft is a clear and present danger. As we head towards holiday season, the continuing lack of supply and ever-increasing demand for leisure vehicles makes them even more likely to be stolen to order by thieves.”
There are, however, plenty of security measures for leisure vehicle owners that are simple and cost effective to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft. Clive Wain continues, “Hitch locks, wheel clamps, alarm systems and deadbolts will all help to reduce the chance of theft and a tracking device will significantly improve the chances of vehicle recovery if criminals succeed in breaking through these security measures.”
Meanwhile, many would-be caravan and motorhome owners are on the look-out for their dream leisure vehicle in advance of the imminent holiday season. So, Tracker is advising buyers to ask second-hand dealers and private sellers if their vehicle already has a stolen vehicle recovery device fitted. This is often not front-of mind for sellers, but if a buyer knows that a device is fitted on the caravan or motorhome, a simple phone call can reactivate the subscription in their own name, meaning the vehicle is protected should the worst happen and it is stolen.
Tracker’s Caravan Security Tips
- Be sure to security mark the caravan with a VIN CHIP Identification System.
- Mark valuables and interior fitments inside the caravan with your postcode using an etching tool or engraver.
- Fit physical deterrents such as hitch locks, wheel clamps and deadlocks on doors to make it difficult for thieves.
- Remove all valuables from the caravan.
- Do not leave registration documents in the caravan as they can help thieves sell it on.
- Always close and lock doors and windows.
- When planning for the storage season, choose a site with good security rather than just a good price.
- Fit a Tracker device to increase the chance of recovery in the event of theft.
