How to Secure Your Caravan: Hitch Locks, Wheel Clamps and Storage
Most caravan theft is opportunist — thieves take the easiest van to hitch up and drive away. The goal of securing yours isn't to make it impossible to steal; it's to make it more trouble than it's worth. Layered, visible deterrents do exactly that.
The principle
Physical locks stop the tow-away, secure storage cuts the risk, and a record makes the van recoverable if it does go. Use all three.
Physical deterrents
- Hitch lock — stops the van being coupled to a car in seconds
- Wheel clamp — a big, visible "not worth it" signal
- Corner steady locks / axle wheel-lock — for longer storage
- A tracker — to follow it if the worst happens
Where you keep it matters most
A CaSSOA-rated storage site (with barriers, CCTV and controlled access) dramatically cuts your risk and often your insurance premium. If you store at home, keep the van out of sight, use a driveway post or a second vehicle to block it in, and never leave it hitch-ready.
And before you ever leave it: keep CRiS current and register the van — so locks are your prevention and a record is your recovery.