The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it some much-needed sunshine. This means that many will be hauling their motorhomes out of storage to get ready for the season. Some will also be looking to purchase a brand new motorhome this year.
Anticipating your first motorhome trip of the year is always thrilling, whether you’re revisiting a favourite site or planning an international road trip. Before you get behind the wheel though you should be aware of the risks involved in owning a motorhome.
Beware of thieves
Motorhome and caravan ownership has surged over the last five years according to figures supplied by Auto Trader Magazine, with reports of a 59% increase in enquiries over the five years up to mid-2024. This is due to a combination of the rising cost of living making other holidays more expensive and an increased appetite for holidaying closer to home since the Covid pandemic.
However, owning a motorhome comes with its own set of risks, particularly in the UK where theft and break-ins have become increasingly common. According to recent crime statistics provided by police forces around the UK there has been a noticeable rise in motorhome thefts. This is around 13.8% in a 12 month period, with approximately 1,200 stolen annually.
The financial loss from such incidents can be significant. This is not just due to the value of the motorhome itself, but also because of the personal belongings often stored inside.
Motorhomes are attractive targets for thieves due to their high value. New motorhomes at the entry level cost upwards of £40,000 for a Transit-sized model. Additional items stored within, such as electronics, personal documents, clothing, bicycles and all the other items you take on holiday with you ramp up the value.
Recovery issues
In addition, the chances of recovering a stolen motorhome are relatively low, with reports suggesting that only about 30% are ever found and returned to their owners. It is often the case that a suspect will never be identified or caught. Your pride and joy along with everything in it will likely be sold on, after a change in identity, to an unsuspecting buyer who will have no idea they have just bought a stolen motorhome.
Some stolen motorhomes will be broken for parts and accessories to supply the burgeoning parts and spares markets.
Protect your motorhome
Given these risks, it is crucial for owners to invest in good-quality motorhome trackers. A reliable motorhome tracker can significantly increase the chances of recovering the vehicle if it is stolen. GPS trackers that come with real-time location updates, geofencing capabilities, tamper alerts and integration with private security and police databases offer the best protection.
Other ways which can help to protect your motorhome whilst at home, in storage or parked up on a holiday site include:
- Invest in a good lock for the steering wheel
- A pedal lock can help prevent the vehicle being driven away
- Good quality wheel clamps will deter a thief
- Consider installing an alarm/immobiliser
By far the most effective device when it comes to preventing the theft of your motorhome, and potentially recovering it should the worst happen, is a motorhome tracker. An added benefit could well come in the form of reduced insurance premiums.
If you are touring and plan to park up for the night around your planned route, make sure you park somewhere well-lit and secure.
Ensuring that your motorhome is equipped with a top-tier tracking system from a trusted supplier can provide peace of mind and protect your investment, allowing you to enjoy your travels without the constant worry of theft.
