Increasingly, especially during the holiday season, we read news reports about thefts from motorhomes , where thieves steal valuables or even the entire vehicle. Today we're giving you some tips to increase security and protect your motorhome , as much as possible, from thieves.
Common sense to find places to spend the night
It seems obvious, but applying common sense is sometimes the best advice we can give. What does this mean? Well, it means we should avoid places that our instincts tell us might not be a good idea : rough neighborhoods in big cities, highway rest areas, overly isolated parking lots where criminals can operate undisturbed, and so on.
We place particular emphasis on highway rest areas because many people might think they're a good place to rest for a few hours before continuing on a long journey. However, these areas offer thieves a quick getaway once they've committed a robbery , and they're also noisy places where crime can go more unnoticed. Taking the first exit and trying to reach a small town where you can spend the night on one of its streets is a much wiser decision.
In summer, we'll pay close attention to parking areas near beaches , as they become a prime target for thieves, who know that we don't usually take valuables with us when we go swimming and, therefore, that there's a good chance they're inside our vehicles. That's where we'll need to be extra careful.
Sometimes it's better to pay a little money for a secure parking area, a motorhome overnight area, or even a campsite if we can't find a place we feel comfortable with. And it never hurts to get in touch with our fellow motorhome owners ! Talking to them when we're going to be away is a good way for them to check if they hear any noises and see if it's a burglar. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours!
Objects out of sight
Just like with cars, leaving valuables in plain sight when you leave your motorhome is a great target for thieves . Ideally, you should take mobile phones, tablets, or laptops with you when you're not in the vehicle, or designate a more secluded spot inside to hide them.
Likewise, it's advisable not to flaunt valuables left in the garage or inside the vehicle in unguarded areas if you're going to be away. Many criminals are on the lookout for vehicles where they know they might find valuables.
And of course… be careful if you're carrying bicycles! If your garage is large, it's best to put them inside so they're out of sight. If not, and you have to leave them on a bike rack, a good lock and a sturdy attachment are essential to protect them, especially if they're electric models, which are much more sought after.
elements of persuasion
Before leaving the vehicle, we should check that all doors and windows are properly closed , as any gap could become an opportunity for thieves. They will always attack from the most vulnerable side, so we should try to park with that side visible to make it more difficult for them. Another good tip is to park away from hedges or trees that could provide them with a good hiding place.
Furthermore, if the vehicle is yours, it may be advisable to install deterrents such as alarms and security locks. No accessory is foolproof, but they will always be useful in making theft more difficult and giving someone time to spot it and alert the authorities.
Documentation and keys, always with us
The vehicle's documentation and the second set of keys should always be with us because, if despite all the measures taken, we are unlucky enough that thieves manage to enter the vehicle, the goal should be to prevent them from easily taking the vehicle, especially with all the documentation in order that facilitates its subsequent sale in other markets.
Following all of these tips can make theft a little more difficult and allow us to focus on what's most important... continuing to enjoy our getaway or vacation!
