Caravan theft isn't common enough to be a reason to avoid free camping or remote travel, but it happens — the van itself, gear stored outside, or contents while you're off exploring. A few sensible habits reduce the risk without turning every stop into a security operation.
At a free camp or overnight stop
- Stow outdoor gear (chairs, generators, bikes) inside or locked to the van overnight, not just left out
- Fit a hitch lock and wheel clamp if you're leaving the van unattended for any length of time, especially unhitched
- Park considering visibility — well-used free camps with other travellers around are generally safer than an isolated spot well off the beaten track
- Don't broadcast an empty home or an unattended van's location on public social media in real time — post after you've moved on, not while you're there
At caravan parks
Parks are generally lower risk than isolated free camps, but the same basics apply — lock the van when you're out, don't leave valuables visible through windows, and use site lighting where it's provided. A visible deterrent (a hitch lock, a dash cam) is often enough to send an opportunist elsewhere.
In storage
A caravan sitting in storage for weeks or months is a different risk profile — nobody's around to notice anything unusual. A monitored storage facility with access logging is worth the cost over an unmonitored paddock, particularly for a van you can't check on regularly. Wheel clamps, hitch locks and, for higher-value setups, a GPS tracker are all reasonable additions for long-term storage. Photograph the van's condition and note the contents before you leave it, so you've got a clear record if you ever need one.
Marking and recording your gear
Photograph and note serial numbers for higher-value items — generators, e-bikes, solar panels, anything easily resold. It won't stop a theft, but it genuinely helps police and insurance if something goes missing, and can help identify recovered property.
If something is stolen
- Report to local police as soon as you discover it — get a report number, your insurer will likely need it
- Contact your insurer promptly — most policies have notification time limits
- Check if the caravan park or storage facility has camera footage that might help
- Update passwords or access codes for anything (like a tracker app) that was accessible via stolen gear
Quick security checklist
- Hitch lock and wheel clamp carried and used when the van's left unattended
- Gear stowed rather than left out overnight
- Valuables and serial numbers photographed and recorded before you travel
- Insurance policy checked for what's actually covered — contents, theft while unattended, storage
- Monitored storage considered for extended periods away from the van
FAQ
Does my caravan insurance cover theft of gear stored outside the van?
It depends on the policy — check specifically what's covered for awnings, outdoor furniture and gear left outside versus inside the van. Don't assume.
Is a GPS tracker worth it?
For a higher-value van or extended storage periods, many owners find it worthwhile — it won't prevent a theft but significantly improves recovery odds.
Sources
Reviewed 22 September 2026. Insurance coverage and reporting requirements vary by provider and state — check your specific policy and local reporting process.