In 2022, a whopping 58,082 vehicles were stolen in the UK. Per day, that’s an average of 159 vehicles, or 1,117 a week! [1]. I personally know two people who have had their van broken into while sleeping inside! One of them even had it happen twice...
So camper van security is a must! These things do happen. In this guide we will look at a variety of van security systems, including van security cameras, van lock boxes, as well as the best van locks and van security alarms.
I'm Shane, I've been teaching people to convert campervans for many years, I'm the author of The Van Conversion Newsletter, the van conversion instructor at Udemy, and the proud owner of a beautiful self-build campervan called Beans. So let's jump in and look at 20 genius camper van security ideas!
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Index
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Camper van security basics
First let's go over some camper van security basics!
Hotwiring
This first point of discussion here is hotwiring. Hot-wiring is the process of bypassing a motor vehicle's ignition switch and thus starting it without the key. However I have some good news for you... Since 1988 all new vehicles must have an Engine immobiliser fitted. An engine immobiliser stops the vehicle from being hot-wired. The immobiliser is activated when the key is removed from the ignition.
So you don't need to worry too much about hotwiring. What you do need to think about is theft!
Here are some of the most basic 'van security systems' you can employ:
Don’t leave valuables in sight
As with any vehicle, don't leave obvious valuables visible in the cab when you are out. This includes your wallet, phone, cash, laptop, among other items
Park in well-lit areas
Light reduces crime. This is a big reason many cities are so well-lit. It was found that street lighting led to a significant 14% decrease in crime[2] So when possible, park in well-lit areas!
Cities have more crime
You are far more likely to have a break-in when parking in a city than in the countryside. So get into nature! That's what the van is all about. 🌳
Don't leave out valuables at campsites
Things get nicked from campsites all the time. Just this summer gone by I had two camping chairs and a hangboard stolen while I was away! So pack up everything at a campsite when you're not there.
Keep camper van security details in your phone
Keep insurance details, vehicle registration, and important documents on your phone as a back-up. This will allow you to sort out the issue immediately within minimal faff.
Keep a baseball bat
Keep a baseball bat (or something similar) handy in your van. As a last resort, self defense might be the best van security system.
Best camper van lock
Next, let's look at all the different camper van locks out there. Truly there are a plethora, so I have only picked out the most effective.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of camper van lock: vehicle locks (prevent the vehicle from being driven away) and door locks
Steering wheel lock
The steering wheel lock has been around since God was a child. One of the most trusty camper van locks out there!
Clutch lock
The Clutch Claw is a van lock designed to stop intruders from using the clutch, and thus getting away with the vehicle!
Wheel clamp
Ever been clamped for parking illegally? Well this is pretty much the same except you're doing it voluntarily! A wheel clamp is a nifty camper van lock.
Deadlock
The deadlock is one of the best door locks you can install. It is completely mechanical, requiring a key to open - they're bomb-proof!
There are two types of deadlocks: interior and exterior.
Interior deadlocks are also known as mortise locks. They tend to be installed by professional locksmiths, however you can also install them yourself. Here is the