Your caravan is vulnerable everywhere. When you're on holiday or touring, it may be your home from home, but it's not built of bricks and mortar, so it's up to you to tighten up the security of the parts that make it vulnerable 

Stop it being towed away 

• Secure each corner leg with a padlock with a short shackle, so that it can't be cut through. If you use a chain, make sure it's strong - thieves can easily get hold of the right tools to cut through a weak one. 
• Lock the coupling head into a cover with a hitchlock. 
• Use lock-nuts on the wheels. If possible, use wired clamps. 
• Gas cylinders are always an inviting target to a thief. On older caravans, padlock them to fixing clamps so they can't be removed. On newer models, keep gas compartments locked.  

Stop thieves breaking in 

• Always close and lock windows when you leave your caravan, even for just a short time. Thieves don't need long to go through a caravan and their job is made simpler if they can get in easily. 
• Fit a special caravan deadlock to the door and make sure you use it so that thieves can't smash a window and turn the door handle. 
• Fit an alarm. 
• Fit a time switch. If lights are on while you're out, the caravan will look occupied and may deter the opportunist thief. 
• Don't leave valuables such as jewellery in your caravan. If you have to, lock them out of sight.  

Security marking 

• Get a special number - such as your chassis number - etched on all windows. The prospect of having to replace all the glass to avoid suspicion may deter thieves. 
• Mark valuable and interior fitments inside your caravan with your postcode using a special etching tool or engraver. If you use a security marker pen, the writing will only show up under ultraviolet light and may fade with time. 
• Keep a note of these numbers at home, along with a photo of your caravan. This will help the police to identify and return a stolen caravan or goods. 
• Ask about built-in security when you buy a caravan.   

Know your neighbours 

Keep an eye on each other's caravans and get to know who belongs on the site. Don't be afraid to report anything suspicious to the site manager or the police. 

When your caravan is not in use... 

It's more vulnerable than ever. 

• Wherever it is, immobilise your caravan 
• Remove all personal belongings and contents. Leave cupboard doors and curtain open - thieves can be put off by a caravan that is obviously empty. 
• If you're choosing a storage site, don't just look at the price. Check that it offers good security. 
• If you're leaving your caravan at home, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on it as well as on your house.  

More advice 

If you're a member of the Caravan Club, your tourer will automatically be on the club's security register. This enables the club to liaise with the police and dealers rapidly if a theft takes place. It also helps authenticate ownership if your caravan is stolen and then recovered. 

The club keeps a register of all caravans reported stolen, even those of non-members. This is widely used by police throughtout the UK. 

The club can be contacted on 02476 694995. 

The Camping and Caravanning Club has compiled the a caravan security advice sheet and a form for you to print off, complete and save.