RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are reminding caravan owners to keep their vans secure, with caravan thefts or attempted thefts reaching the highest level in 10 years.
Data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows that in the 12 months to June 2024, the theft of 174 caravans occurred, up almost 67 per cent since 2022.
RACV General Manager Motoring Jeff Ames said that with many Victorians travelling in coming months and leaving their vans at home, or towing caravans interstate in search of warmer weather, it's a timely reminder to ensure their caravan is secure before making the trip.
"We're seeing people either taking their vans on trips interstate or leaving them at home while they travel, and it's important that owners have the safety and security of these assets front of mind whether at home or on the road," Mr Ames said.
"While vans may not seem as appealing an item to steal due to their size, the data is showing that thefts of these usually highly valuable assets are still occurring and, in fact, they are on the rise.
"RACV recommends having caravan insurance in place to protect your van in case something was to happen to their van. It brings peace-of-mind to know that if your van was stolen it will be replaced, you could have some cover in place for temporary accommodation and to get you home before your caravan is replaced."
Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon said that it's important to keep your neighbours informed if you're heading away.
"We strongly suggest that you let your trusted neighbours know when you are heading away from home for a period of time and leaving your van at home, so that they can watch out for any unusual or suspicious behaviour," Ms Gordon said.
"It's also important to remember that your van is highly visual. If it is normally parked in your drive or front yard, when you do take it on a trip it's more obvious that you are away from home – so extra security such as sensor lights, locks, and timers will help to protect your home."
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch share the following tips to keep your caravan secure:
- Insurance your caravan or trailer – find an insurance policy to match how you use your caravan or trailer.
- When travelling with your caravan, aim to have the van's hitch facing away from the access road, making it harder for thieves to swiftly hook the van up and drive away.
- Lock the caravan doors when not at your van while travelling, including if you're walking around the caravan park or nearby area of your parking spot, as well as once you've turned in for the night.
- Don't hide the keys to your van in an accessible or visible location in or around the van.
- When at home, park your van behind a locked gate or in a shed, where possible, or consider using a storage facility with strong security.
- Whether your van is at home or away, consider using a wheel clamp for security or tracking device on the vehicle to reduce the chance of theft or to monitor the van's movements if stolen.
