Caravan and trailer safety

Keeping your caravan and trailer secure and in well-lit areas can reduce their attractiveness to potential criminals.

Theft prevention information

Follow these crime prevention tips to prevent and report theft of your caravan and trailer.

Park your caravan or trailer securely when in use

Ensure your caravan or trailer are secured and parked safely.

• Ask the caravan park manager about safety and security in the area.
• If you are staying at a remote location, check the local council website or Parks Victoria’s website for local safety information.
• Get to know your neighbours and who belongs where.

Protect your property outside your caravan or trailer

Ensure your property outside your caravan or trailer is secure.

• Secure bikes, eskies, fishing gear or other valuables when unattended.
• Remove all washing, shoes, or wet bathers and towels overnight.
• Do not leave spare keys hidden outside the caravan when going out.
• Use one way security screws on number plates.

Protect your property in your caravan or trailer

Keep your belongings safe inside your caravan or trailer.

• Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are nearby (e.g. when you are at the pool or playground).
• Remove all valuables, or ensure they are out of view.
• Close all curtains and blinds.
• Take valuables with you if leaving the campsite for an extended period. Items such as laptops and cameras may be safer in your car if you are with the vehicle rather than at the site.

Keep track of valuables in your caravan or trailer

Mark and list your valuable items to help keep them secure.

• Mark your property with a unique personal code in the top right-hand corner of the item or near to the manufacturer’s serial number. Do not use your ATM PIN.
• Make a list of vehicle identification numbers (VINs), registration details, serial numbers, model numbers, unique personal codes and specific features of your property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Take photos of valuable items.
• Use microdots and sticky warning labels on items of value to prove ownership and deter theft. This can include on the caravan and trailer.
• Take photos or a video of your site set up to keep an accurate description of your vehicles and valuables.

Use security technology in your caravan or trailer

Use technology inside and outside your trailer or caravan to help keep your belongings secure.

• Install a sensor light for inside and outside of your caravan or trailer.
• Install a GPS tracker and security devices such as wheel clamps, coupling padlocks and alarms.

Park and store your caravan or trailer securely when not in use

Ensure your caravan or trailer are parked and stored safely when not in use.

• Park caravan or trailer in a well-lit and secure area.
• If you are not using your caravan or trailer for an extended period, consider using commercial storage.
• Lock all doors and windows
• Close all curtains and blinds.
• If you trust your neighbours, tell them when you are going away. Let them know if you are taking or leaving your caravan or trailer.

What to do if your caravan or trailer have been broken into or stolen

Keep yourself safe if you find someone has stolen or broken into your caravan or trailer.

• Do not confront the offender. Your safety is more important than your possessions.
• Do not touch anything.
• Call your insurance company and provide them the police report number.

Report a stolen caravan or trailer

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000)(opens in a new window).

For non-emergencies

• call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444(opens in a new window), or
• report anonymously at Crime Stoppers(opens in a new window) by:
  • submitting an online report
  • calling 1800 333 000(opens in a new window).

You will need the following information to report a theft or a burglary of your caravan or trailer:

• registration or VIN
• brand and model
• distinguishing features (such as custom paint, minor damage, accessories, or a bike rack)
• serial numbers, model numbers and unique personal codes, where applicable.