Organised Criminal Gangs Up The Theft Anti As Premium Storage Sites Targeted

Tracker urges owners to increase security and be more vigilant this winter

Tracker is urging caravan owners to ensure their holiday home has additional security measures in place this winter, as organised crime gangs are targeting premium caravan storage sites.  Using sophisticated methods, professional thieves are bypassing some of the most superior levels of security employed to enable them to meet black market supply and demand.

According to Tracker data, touring caravans have become an increasingly popular choice for organised crime groups who often steal to order, both here in the UK and across Europe.  Quality used caravans are in strong demand with residual values holding firm, which equals significant profits for criminals.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker commented: “Stealing caravans has always been a lucrative business for criminals, but the foreign travel restrictions imposed because of the pandemic has seen an increase in people looking to holiday in the UK, with the number of first time caravan owners in particular rising steeply.  As a result, vehicle thieves are more actively targeting premium touring caravans and the sites they are stored at, becoming both savvier and more brazen in their efforts.  

“We strongly recommend owners take extra precautions to protect their caravans from theft, and to increase the likelihood of their safe return if they are stolen. Physical deterrents such as hitch locks, wheel clamps, alarm systems and deadbolts will reduce the chance of theft, but only a tracking device will improve the chance of recovery if criminals get past these barriers.”

 Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Tracker’s SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device with a covert transmitter hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief will not even know it’s there.

Tracker Caravan Security Tips

• Be sure to security mark the caravan.
• 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.
• Retro fit a unique Identification System to your caravan.