What should you do to make your van safe from thieves?
This is a follow-on from the post about how many caravans have been stolen from service stations.
So what should you do to safeguard against thieves? I usually stop for around 30-45 minutes in order to use loos and eat/exercise my dog, and I'd be grateful for any advice as this year will be the first I'm towing rather than campervanning.
As a family of 4 we tend to take it in turns to pop into the service station to use the facilities. If we need food/drink then one of us will go in with one of the kids and then bring the food/drink to the van.
I guess other sensible things to do would be to park near other caravans (plenty of people coming and going), use a hitch lock once you've arrived and put your alarm on (if you have one).
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like Wilkolad says dont leave the van alone, just take it in turns to go to the loo and get food. me personaly would never leave my van alone in the services.
after paying £5 for a bacon butty at one service station (she said bacon was 80p a slice) we now take our own butties and coffee.never at any time is the caravan left unattended.this is the only way to be sure your car/caravan is safe.they know ways of removing your locks within seconds.if they get chance they will take both.use the caravan toilet and not the service station.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
We never leave ours either. Even to let the dogs stretch their legs we stay close to the van. We eat lunch in the car & tae turns to go to the loo. Suppose that's difficult if you're on your own but as Michael says, use the loo in the van rather than leave it. Having said that, I'd also make a lot of noise about going into the van - wouldn't want someone thinking it was unattended & driving off with it with me in the loo!
Quote: Originally posted by adsheadv on 30/1/2010
We never leave ours either. Even to let the dogs stretch their legs we stay close to the van. We eat lunch in the car & tae turns to go to the loo. Suppose that's difficult if you're on your own but as Michael says, use the loo in the van rather than leave it. Having said that, I'd also make a lot of noise about going into the van - wouldn't want someone thinking it was unattended & driving off with it with me in the loo!
Yup never leave it alone take turns. I now find myself alone and so use the caravan loo. I must admit the thought did cross my mind about the caravan being nicked while I am in there. Spooky thought.
Quote: Originally posted by adsheadv on 30/1/2010
We never leave ours either. Even to let the dogs stretch their legs we stay close to the van. We eat lunch in the car & tae turns to go to the loo. Suppose that's difficult if you're on your own but as Michael says, use the loo in the van rather than leave it. Having said that, I'd also make a lot of noise about going into the van - wouldn't want someone thinking it was unattended & driving off with it with me in the loo!
Yup never leave it alone take turns. I now find myself alone and so use the caravan loo. I must admit the thought did cross my mind about the caravan being nicked while I am in there. Spooky thought.
Lone person with dog... Judging by the replies, it looks like I will have to use the caravan loo and stay within sight whilst walking the dog! Thanking you all for your replies.