Campervan owners warned after gardaí see surge in thefts
FAMILIES heading on a staycation holidays with their campervan or caravan have been issued an urgent warning by gardaí.
Thefts have been on the rise since the lockdown with 43 of them stolen since last year.
Gardaí are now appealing to campervan and caravan owners to take extra security measures when holidaying in Ireland this year, following a surge of recent thefts.
And in the past four years, over €30million worth of items have been stolen from caravans and campervans.
The value of some of the caravans and campervans that have been stolen ranges in value from €1,000 to €30,000.
Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Ber Leetch said yesterday: ‘With staycations expected to rise this year, and more people using caravans and campervans, there is a need to be extra vigilant with their security.
‘As a campervan owner myself, I always make sure we have the hitch lock on when we are parked up for the evening or when it’s not in use.’
Sergeant Leetch added that there are a raft of other security measures that campervan and caravan owners can invest in.
He continued: ‘We have also invested in a tracking device, they can be purchased for around €150, so if our campervan was ever stolen there is a better chance of getting it back. A caravan or campervan can be a very expensive, and the items you have inside them could be irreplaceable if they hold a sentimental value.
‘I would recommend that you keep valuables out of sight and make sure everything is locked when you go out.’
The sergeant added that criminals will use any opportunity they can to steal.
‘Criminals are opportunistic so whilst you may think that it’s fine whilst you pop out for half an hour, you never know. Don’t give them the opportunity by not securing it.
‘And please make sure you park smart and lock up your caravan or campervan no matter where you are.
‘If something is stolen from you, no matter what it is, call the gardaí immediately.’
The gardaí are asking holidaymakers, where possible to make sure the vehicles are kept secure with no valuables left inside.
They also advise that a good quality hitch lock and wheel clamps should be in place and that the caravan should be locked to a secure point.
A good alarm is also highly recommended.
An Garda Síochána also suggests that caravans and campervans should always be left in well-lit areas.
In addition, use a cover when it is not in use, as this may deter thieves because pulling off a cover can be noisy and add to the time taken to steal the caravan.
Gardaí also suggested considering voluntarily registering your caravan with the Central Registration and Identification Scheme.