Those who take up caravanning often cite convenience and accessibility as the main reasons for buying a caravan. As such, a large number of owners choose to keep their ‘van on their property if there is enough room. Unfortunately keeping the vehicle on a driveway or equivalent is not enough to deter thieves or opportunists, as a story in the Hartlepool Mail proved this week.
The newspaper revealed how a burglar was recently caught breaking into a caravan to sleep for the night after a row with his girlfriend. He was however caught out (and charged with burglary) after his fingerprints were discovered on a mayonnaise jar from the caravan.
The court prosecutor heard how the man had been “wandering the streets” after the row with his girlfriend, who had told him to leave their property. He eventually came across an open caravan which had been parked outside a house in Hartlepool. He promptly entered, helping himself to biscuits and mayonnaise found inside the vehicle. The incident was then discovered in September last year when his prints were found on the jar.
Most notable for caravanners is how this crime was made possible in the first place. The burglar explained that the caravan was open, therefore he simply climbed into it.
The story outlines the importance of maintaining vigilance when keeping a caravan on a property. Owners are regularly advised by industry bodies and insurance organisations to ensure that doors and windows are locked at all times, even if on the driveway. Caravanners are also advised to invest in an additional form of caravan security (such as a wheel lock or hitch lock) to avoid the caravan being towed from the driveway.
While such measures cannot altogether prevent theft or unwanted entry, using these devices can help deter would-be thieves as well as potentially improving insurance rates.
For more information on useful security measures for your caravan, please click here to see our “Getting Started” guide.
