The "Caravan Bermuda Triangle"

12th June 2008

The Midlands is a "Caravan Bermuda Triangle" according to data released by AA Caravan Insurance.

Around 4,000 caravans are stolen in the UK, however in an area bordered by Leicester, Coventry, Birmingham and Nottingham the theft rate is 10% higher, according to their claims experience.

Simon Douglas, head of AA Caravan Insurance suggests the motorway access is a factor: "The triangle of trouble is drawn along the popular motorway network of the M6, M42 and M1 which provide quick getaway routes for thieves". He adds: "Caravanning is increasing in popularity and we're seeing more caravans being stolen to order, especially larger, luxury twin-axle models. Three-quarters of those stolen disappear without trace and are never recovered."

Dissapearances are increasingly down to organised thefts, targetting newer high-value models which will fetch a good price. "Thieves look for opportunities when caravans are unattended but not secured – for instance with a wheelclamp – and that could be anywhere, including motorway service areas."

AA Caravan Insurance has also found a rise in caravan thefts from storage sites, and that these are premeditated crimes.

Simon Douglas points out: "These disappearances are well thought out criminal plans with real rewards. There is a real trend towards particular models being targeted and sometimes, several vans may disappear from one site. They are even craned out and on to a lorry for a quick getaway."

AA Caravan Insurance suggests the following security measures to help owners reduce the chance of theft, and possibly get reductions in their premiums:

  • Wheel clamps – these are the minimum insurance requirement and should be used whenever the caravan is unattended – modern clamps are easy to apply but very difficult for thieves to remove.
  • Chassis locks – increasingly supplied as standard, these lock the wheels in a fixed position
  • Hitch locks – some come with an alarm while corner steady locks will prevent the front of the van from being lifted on to a thief's vehicle.
  • If you have a high-value caravan your insurer may insist on an electronic tag or tracking device being fitted – in any case, such protection will attract insurance discounts.
  • Make sure that out of season, your caravan is safe. Choose a site operated by the Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association (CaSSOA); check that security is good (for example, secure posts to which your caravan can be hitch-locked, ground anchors, security staff or cctv).

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