Caravan owners must stay vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure their tourer is safe and secure from any potential thefts, according to the recommendations of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The advice comes as concerns mount in some quarters that many owners are failing to take steps to ensure items are protected from any would-be thieves.
Earlier this week, police in Wales called on owners to be prepared and ensure valuable onboard items – such as electricals – are hidden away when the tourer is left unattended.
The sentiment was echoed by Tim Shallcross, the head of policy at the road safety group, who provided some sound recommendations on the kind of items that can aid a caravan owner’s efforts.
“There are also lots of anti-theft devices,” he said.
“There are tow hitch locks that make it impossible to hook up the caravan and tow it away. We all hate wheel clamps, but caravanners do like them because if you put one on your caravan it makes it very difficult to tow away.”
Mr Shallcross also recommended an onboard burglar alarm as one “essential” device for caravan owners out there, particularly with tourers proving relatively easy to break into.
“If you have a movement sensor inside and it suddenly emits an ear pitch piercing screech then people will be deterred,” he said.
