Motorhome security advice

There are two types of security: those that help prevent belongings from being stolen from a motorhome and those that prevent the motorhome itself being stolen. We’ll mainly focus on the latter, but it’s important to also look to the former.

Motorhome theft

Around 2018, there was a spate of thefts of Ford Transit-based motorhomes. Insurance premiums went up and sources confirmed that the thefts were probably the result of a demand for replacement Ford engines and gearboxes – low-mileage motorhomes were valuable commodities. Now, it is likely motorhomes are being stolen because there is a demand for them. In addition, keys are not needed with many vehicles and thefts can happen in seconds.

Computer gadgetry underpinning modern vehicles can be used to bypass ignition systems. Tim Booth, a Leisure Vehicles Officer of NaVCIS Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, says: “Unfortunately equipment is available off the internet for very little money that can pick both the Ford and Fiat locks – in a matter of seconds! Once in the vehicle, of course, then the ECU can be compromised, the vehicle started and away they go!”

Using readily available electronic gadgetry, it’s possible to clone key fobs by intercepting the signal when you’re locking up. Of course, better security systems use radio signals designed to make cloning difficult, but professional thieves are never far behind in outsmarting security.

Keyless entry and keyless start creates other problems, whereby thieves can relay the signal from a keyless fob located in a house from outside. For this situation it’s best to keep your keys in a tin box or a Faraday bag. Although not common, keyless systems are optional on some of the major motorhome bases.

Physical security for motorhomes and campervans

Physical deterrents are great. It’s about risk versus reward. What a mechanical device can also do, if visible, is deter the opportunistic thief. Some experts argue that by making a device visible, a thief who scouts ahead to target a vehicle will simply come suitably tooled up to deal with the visible device.

Perhaps it’s worth adding more than one mechanical device, one visible and one less visible.After all, mechanical devices are relatively cheap, it’s a one-off payment and a good-quality item will last for years. So, think about security posts for driveways, wheel clamps and steering wheel locks. Even if the mechanical systems don’t deter thieves, it will slow them down and, if combined with an effective alarm, they will be put under a lot of pressure.

Tim has specific pointers, too. “Use a steering wheel lock – the extended arm type, as the short arm can still allow the steering wheel to rotate in a motorhome – Milenco, Stronghold and others produce a Sold Secure version of such locks. There are also now full wheel clamps available for motorhome-size wheels – ideal for home/site storage, but perhaps rather heavy to travel with!”

Tim goes on to point out another product. “The Clutch Claw is a useful deterrent – not Sold Secure-approved, but this device locks the brake and clutch pedal together, preventing the vehicle from being driven,” he says.

Ben adds: “Thatcham-approved devices are still recommended. If in doubt, call your insurance company for advice.”

There’s also a relatively new device that secures a vehicle’s OBD port by fitting over the port to prevent thieves from accessing the on-board diagnostic systems to start a motorhome without keys. Tim does have one caveat: “If your motorhome goes in for service – make sure you leave the key for the lock!”

Another easy DIY security measure is using a padlock to lock the driver’s seat into the reverse position facing the rear of the motorhome. 

Acrylic windows are an easy access point for thieves, especially as most windows come with a simple latch fastening, which can be overcome with the simplest of tools. Replace the latches with press-button types or add a Lock M Out-style device. They’re cheap and easy to slip on and off.

Invisible Deterrents

Non-visible deterrents like alarms and trackers also play a valuable part. You have a much greater chance of getting the motorhome back if a tracking system is fitted – sne reputable tracker company puts its recovery rate at around 90%, so it's not infallible.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison for Tracker confirms that more security is essential. "Motorhomes should be stored securely, with multiple physical barriers in place to deter criminals. Unfortunately, many experienced professional thieves will still get past even the best security measures, in which case a Tracker device is invaluable protection.

“Having an active Tracker device installed significantly increases the chances of a vehicle being recovered quickly and in one piece, before the criminals have a chance to sell it on.”

However, you do also need to make sure these systems are working properly. According to Tim, research carried out for Swift Group showed that a significant number of caravans and motorhomes that are kept in storage are left with their alarms or tracking systems not set! A motorhome tracker is also of no value unless it’s monitored 24/7 from the start and police are contacted and are willing to cooperate to retrieve the vehicle. The best systems will also have a remote vehicle stop and immobilisation.

If you have an alarm system that is usually triggered by a door opening, look to extend it with a PIR movement detector or you can fit individual battery window alarms.

There are battery issues with leaving a vehicle in storage and setting alarms or tracking systems that drain said batteries, but there are options.

You can buy battery monitors with GPS to keep an eye on levels and solar panels can top up the battery. Also take the motorhome for a regular run to top up the batteries, move the wheels and keep systems like brakes functional.

The National Caravan Council (NCC) is working towards Code of Practice (307) that sets out standards for leisure vehicle alarms and trackers. It will set minimum requirements for components, system features and the installation of complete alarm systems, and to ensure that the system is a deterrent to thieves, but also does not interfere with the vehicle’s electronic system.

Using a motorhome storage site

Storage sites also need some thought, as Tim says that criminals can see these locations as a target for premium products.

Ben adds: “Keeping a motorhome at home is more favourable, under their owner’s watchful eye, but this can highlight when people are away and some new housing estates have covenants that don’t allow this, too.

“It’s a very expensive asset – you need to ask yourself do you want to be leaving it on an individual locked compound, with CCTV, added security and a good distance between vehicles? Also check that it is well maintained.”

Key motorhome and campervan security issues

Keys are another thing to safeguard. Keep your central locking key in a Faraday cage or shield that blocks signals and never keep a spare set of keys in the motorhome, even while on holiday.

Locker doors are a common weak point. Doors leading to underbed spaces with an interior hatch or under lounge seats, for example, should be protected with extra locks. Tim suggests the use of battery-powered panic alarms that sound if the door is opened without the cord removed.

Obviously upgrading locks or investing in an alarm system that is wired into these hatches are other such solutions.

Alternatives

Roof markings can also be useful, as Tim explains. “Now that the majority of strategic road network is monitored by ANPR, consider marking the roof with the last six characters or numbers of the vehicle VIN – Not the VRN or postcode.”

The markings should be left to right when looking at the front of the vehicle, so the information reads like the number plate. The issue is that the VRN can change through ownership changes – or if a personal VRN is used. The VIN is unique to any vehicle.

Using the last six characters of the VIN we are able to search databases to identify any stolen reports – both for caravans and motorhomes (the PNC search system uses a right to left process of search so six characters is a good indicator).

Trials with West Mids Police – and their Air Support team, found that six characters were enough – any more on a roof and it may be confusing!

(Using the personal VRN on a roof would mean at change of keeper the number would have to be removed – painted over- so this avoids having to do that as well!)

VIN chip is used by police when identifying stolen goods. These are RFID chips fitted at the point of manufacture within the body and chassis of the motorhome. According to Comfort they can be read by police from a distance and/or while the vehicle is travelling at speed.

Tim confirms this. “Fitting the VINCHIP product now also allows us to scan moving vehicles – so it’s not only ANPR systems that are looking at vehicles ‘remotely’ now – as I reported 60mph scans are now being achieved regularly!”

Auto-Trail, Elddis and Swift include these in their models, and it can also be retrofitted from CRiS (Caravan Registration Service) for £34.99.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that anything with complicated electronics or something that is bolted onto a motorhome may affect the vehicle warranty, so check with your insurance company as well as your dealer or manufacturer.

How much should I spend on security?

It’s not electronic or mechanical, but a combination and one to be assessed by value of motorhome and insurance requirements. With older, low-value motorhomes, good mechanical devices with a basic alarm and vehicle immobiliser system may well prove a cost-effective security route.

How do I pick the right motorhome security system?

How good is a particular electronic or mechanical device is the question to ask when considering a new system or updating an existing one. With mechanical devices it’s down to the use of quality materials and good design.

Sometimes you can look at a metal security device and it feels heavy and looks solid, but if it has a poor-quality lock, a thief with a little basic knowhow will have it on the floor within seconds. With electronic devices, it’s harder to spot a dud without anything tangible to see; all you have to go on is the manufacturer’s blurb.

To help you choose wisely, there are two important security standards to look out for – Sold Secure rating for mechanical devices and Thatcham rating for electronic systems. Some good devices will not have been submitted for a rating and, especially for smaller companies, the costs of testing and annual accreditation fees to Sold Secure and Thatcham can be prohibitive. Be cautious before buying non-rated kit and do check on what your insurance company requires. Some companies may only offer a discount for a rated product.   

Sold Secure is an independent organisation with links to the police and Home Office, which tests mechanical security products for cars and leisure vehicles. It has three main categories: bronze, silver and gold. Gold is the highest rating and is achieved where it takes more than five minutes to defeat a device.

Thatcham Research works in close collaboration with carmakers, law enforcement agencies and insurers and undertakes product security certification for alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems. Alarms will need to have their own power supply; otherwise it’s too easy for any thief to locate and disconnect the battery.

A Thatcham Category (Cat) 1 alarm will feature perimeter and ignition detection and incorporate movement, glass break and/or tilt sensors. Immobilisers are also a requirement to pass Thatcham Cat 1 tests, with a minimum of two operating systems ™뻳 or one control unit used for normal operation that must be isolated.

An alarm system should ideally permit any internal movement sensor to be switched off, meaning the alarm can be set when you are in the ’van at night or if you leave a pet when out in the day. Also check if any tilt sensor fitted can be switched off when travelling on a ferry to avoid triggering the alarm.

The current Thatcham standard for tracking devices are S5 and S7. With electronic tracking devices you should be looking for the following attributes:

- Does the tracking device function in the countries you plan to visit?

- Does the service simply tell you the location of your motorhome when it is stolen abroad or offer full European monitoring and recovery with locally accredited monitoring centres to coordinate police response on your behalf?

- Is the monitoring undertaken 24/7 and will the device alert you and the tracking company as soon as thieves disturb or move your motorhome? Is tracking and recovery undertaken by professionals? Most insurance companies will not accept self-monitored devices.   

- Has the tracking device been certified as Thatcham Cat S5 or S7? Some insurance companies may accept the earlier Cat 5 or Cat 6 devices for older motorhomes.

- Does the device have a low battery alert? If your motorhome is not used for long periods, the battery power to your tracking device could run out, rendering the tracker useless. Is there a drain on your leisure battery? Some alarm and tracker systems will take as little 4mA, while others will consume 10 times as much power.

What motorhome security at home or away?

When touring, it’s worth looking for a mechanical security device that is lightweight and not too difficult to fit or operate so it doesn’t become too much of a chore to use.

On a busy campsite, where the risk of being stolen is generally going to be low, a less secure product may be considered. This is beneficial as it is likely to be lighter in weight, taking up less payload. When in storage, it’s generally better to err on the side of caution and use the most secure equipment available. 

Security at the storage location will almost certainly be a large factor in determining your insurance cost, with insurance companies recognising that your motorhome is most at threat when in storage. This threat can be mitigated if you keep it in a high-security compound like a Platinum-rated CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association) storage compound. CaSSOA offers four levels of secure storage. However, even on the highest-rated site you need to maintain your own security systems. Generally, you should be looking for a storage site with security measures such as perimeter fencing, 24-hour access control and CCTV.

Storage on a remote farm site without security measures is probably one of the most vulnerable storage locations, but at home on a drive can also be risky. Alarms can be useful in urban areas, less so in rural areas.

So, for these storage areas, think about an immobiliser and tracker system along with a few mechanical devices. Ideally, in these locations, it’s best if the motorhome can be kept behind locked gates or a substantial security post.

For long-term storage it can be useful to use a heavy-duty wheel clamp like a Sold Secure gold-rated Bulldog Centaur clamp. It’s not necessarily something you want to take on tour with you as, at some 20kg, it’s not light but, when used just for storage, weight isn’t a problem.

For day-to-day security when out and about using public parking spaces, you are more likely to attract the opportunistic thief and a good alarm and visible mechanical device are useful. Good locks on doors and windows can help here, although the best precaution is, of course, to keep any valuables out of sight and a small safe is helpful for valuables and documents like passports.

Good motorhome insurance

Despite all of this, if a thief does steal your motorhome or campervan you need comprehensive insurance that is designed specifically for such vehicles.

It’s worth noting that motorhome insurance will cover contents, but this cover can be limited. You may have total contents cover of £3,000, but find cover for individual valuables is only £500 per item, or mobiles and laptops are excluded. At night, when wild camping or on some aires, you may feel safer with something like the Milenco internal cab door lock in use.

Check out the insurance feature in What Motorhome's September issue for more advice on this important topic.

Top motorhome security tips

• If you have an alarm or tracking system, pay for the subscription and use it
• Fit visible physical devices that deter thieves
• Improve driveway security with bollards, lights and CCTV
• Add extra security to all doors, especially locker doors if they lead to the motorhome interior
• Consider roof markings to help identify the vehicle
• Think about an aftermarket VIN chip system if one is not already fitted to your ’van
• Apply window stickers to warn potential thieves that there are hidden security devices in use
• Do not leave registration documents in the motorhome, as they can help thieves sell it on

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