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Due to the overwhelming demand for motorhomes and caravans in the UK, top-of-the-range vehicles in this category are being targeted by thieves as much as luxury cars.
Since travel restrictions were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the demand for staycations, caravan holidays and mobile homes. This has led to demand for caravans and motorhomes rising by more than 30% since the pandemic.
However, this growth in demand is matched by a spike in vehicle theft, according to recent figures.
These stats seem worrying, but having the right tracking device in place can help you get your vehicle back should the worst-case scenario happen.
Tracking devices: How to get your caravan back in the event of a theft
Many caravanners are not taking the necessary precautions to protect their vehicles, and are unaware that campervans, caravans and motorhomes are less likely to be recovered after a theft, as criminals typically remove their identity markings.
Having a tracking device installed is a simple way to improve your chances of getting your vehicle back if the worst happens, with the recovery rate rising to around 95%, giving you peace of mind that your caravan or motorhome can be recovered quickly in the event that it does get stolen.
Motorhomes are more vulnerable to theft than other types of vehicle as they are often left unattended for long periods of time. Having a tracker installed means that you’ll be able to alert any recovery services if your leisure vehicle is stolen.
Features to look out for in a sophisticated tracking device
While most motorhomes under the age of 25 have some form of immobiliser installed, these devices are often easy for thieves to find and dismantle.
Sophisticated criminals can use a relay box to authorise a keyless theft. Some modern caravans guard against keyless thefts, but not all do. Key cloning is now rife and vehicles can be stolen to order.
This increase in tech-savvy theft makes it more and more difficult to guard against the crime. However the most advanced tracking devices have features that make detection virtually impossible:
Covert and almost impossible to locate
Standard tracking devices are, unfortunately, easy to spot by thieves. Even where tracking devices are built-in by manufacturers, they can be located and removed swiftly. This is because they are usually installed in the same place in each vehicle, so the criminal knows where to look for it.
Choosing a more sophisticated covert tracking provider means that your device will be hidden in a place that is extremely difficult to find. Ideally, the device should be fitted by a specialist with the location kept secret in order to keep it protected to the highest degree.
Accreditations - Thatcham certification
Thatcham Research has been a pioneer in vehicle security for over 30 years, since it introduced the New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA), which is used to address levels of vehicle crime. In the 1990s Thatcham also launched the Thatcham Categories for Alarm and Immobiliser systems, which is now the industry benchmark.
Choosing a tracking device with Thatcham certification provides you with reassurance that, should your caravan or motorhome get stolen, there is a high chance that it can be quickly recovered and returned to you.
Another accreditation to look out for is Secured By Design, the official police initiative that helps to improve vehicle security.
Support in the event of a theft
While a tracker can’t prevent vehicle theft, having one installed makes sure that your motorhome or caravan can be located in the worst-case scenario. Notifying your supplier that your vehicle has been stolen should set off a responsive recovery team to trace and recover your vehicle.
