Campervan security - Convert a van

Welcome to our guide on Campervan Security.

Nothing ruins a trip quite like discovering your possessions have been swiped by sticky-fingered thieves, and it’s that fear that drives us to fix our van up to be as secure as possible.

With so many options out there, how do you know which security measures to invest your hard earned money in? Let us help.

There are 2 clear goals here:

1. Stop your van getting broken into, and your stuff nicked &

2. Stop your entire camper van from getting stolen.

We’re going to look at this within the context of our guiding principles, namely to do the best we can for the cheapest possible, working as smart as we can.

Making it hard for the criminals is key, and there are three ways to do that.

Visual Deterrents
Physical Deterrents
In the van systems

In this article, we’ll be focusing on assuming you’re not in the van when it’s being targeted, so let’s dive in and keep your belongings, yours.

A quick side note, we’re going to assume that along with all the security options below, you are also doing the following when you leave the van:

1) Never leave the keys in the campervan and keep them on you in a safe place. Whilst we’re on it, do not have a keyring that has your licence plate on (depending on the use of your base van, it might come with that.. Ours did.)

2) Close your windows, including (an uncommon tip) the roof vents. Or at least, not leaving the vents all the way open, it’s easier than you think to get on your van roof.

3) Close your blinds and your curtains. Bonus points, this will help moderate the temperature in your campervan too.

4) Remove all valuables from sight when out for a short while, or completely when you are leaving the van for a long time.

5) Parking in as safe a place as possible, preferably under lights.

6) Sometimes the best defence is a good ~~offense~~ wall. If you can position your van against a wall or in a tight space that doesn’t leave much room for doors to swing open, you’ll make it harder for thieves to get in. Just make sure you can still get out yourself!

Security options

Visual Deterrents

Stickers: Show that you have a GPS tracker and/or an alarm installed. Stickers are a simple and affordable way to make it clear to potential thieves that your van is protected by an alarm or GPS tracker. A sticker displaying the logo of a reputable security company can be a powerful deterrent, as criminals are less likely to attempt to break in if they believe they will be caught. Alsatian appreciation society, or Krav Maga stickers might work too.

Flashing LEDs in the cab: Many genuine alarms and trackers will have flashing LEDs on the dashboard to indicate that the device is armed and active. You can buy imitation LEDs to install in your van to create the illusion that it is protected by a real security system. This simple and affordable measure can make your van less attractive to would-be burglars. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a substitute for a genuine security system, and should only be used in conjunction with other security measures.

Sensor lights: One of the best ways to deter burglars is to illuminate your surroundings. LED motion sensor security lights are an effective way of achieving this. They are a great investment as they detect motion and switch on when someone approaches or exits from your van, which serves as a deterrent for burglars, who prefer to work when nobody can see what they are up to.

When purchasing a sensor light, make sure it is energy efficient and easy to install. Also, consider using them with black out blinds/ curtains for a good nights sleep.

Sensor chimes Sensor chimes are another effective way of securing your campervan. They detect movement within its perimeter range and can make a doorbell chime sound or sound a loud siren. This will alert you and others nearby that there is suspicious activity around your van. Make sure to place the sensor chime in a strategic location where it can detect movement around your van in the right place, probably around the doors. Be warned though, this might really p*** off your neighbours in a campsite, so find one that you can disable/ turn off when you need to.

Dash cams: are a popular addition to many campervan’s, as they provide evidence in the event of an accident. However, they can also serve as a security measure. While a standard dashcam only provides limited protection against theft, dual aspect dashcam’s can record activity close to your van and capture a break-in.

This will provide valuable evidence for the police and increase the chances of recovering stolen property. Thieves know this and might walk on by after noticing yours. When purchasing a dashcam, look for one with a wide-angle lens and high-resolution video capabilities. It is also important to consider the storage capacity of the dashcam, as well as its durability in extreme weather conditions.

Physical Deterrents

Door security: When it comes to campervan security, it’s important to make sure that the doors are secure. Most campervan’s come with factory-fitted door locks, but it’s possible to enhance them with additional door locks for extra security. Many campervan’s will have a locking procedure to lock the doors from the inside when camping.

One popular option for door security is the Fiamma Duo-Safe Pro telescopic door bar. This device prevents campervan cab doors from being opened when you are sleeping in the vehicle, by essentially chaining them together. It’s simple and effective.

Deadlocks/Slamlocks: Deadlocks, slam locks, and van door locks are the three main types of commercial van locks available. These locks add a second layer of protection to your van, making it harder for thieves to break in, by reinforcing the doors and locks with metal plates.

They are very good, if not quite expensive. They also require manual locking each time you leave the van, which can be a bit of a pain. Nonetheless, just having them on the van can act as a deterrent to potential thieves, who won’t know if you’ve remembered to lock them or not.

Chain and bolt locked door: Another option for door security is to install hooks on the doors and connect them with a metal chain. This will secure the doors, even if the locks are broken. Side and back doors can also be secured with open hoop loops.

Wheel security: One way to immobilise a campervan or motorhome is by using wheel clamps. They are a popular option for slowing down an intruder and make your van less attractive to thieves than others.

Anti-theft locking wheel nuts are also available, and many recent-model vans come with manufacturer-supplied locking wheel nuts. High-security locking wheel nuts are available on the market to overcome weaknesses.

Spare wheels are particularly vulnerable to theft, and locking wheel nuts can be used to secure them, or specialist spare wheel locks can be used. Wheel security is useful for securing campervans, motorhomes, and caravans at home or on-site, as well as for locking trailers on a campsite pitch.

Steering wheel locks: Steering wheel locks are a very effective visual deterrent with a bright yellow or red colour. They come in various designs, such as a bar with hooks, steering wheel to brake pedal lock, and hard shell enclosed lock. They cannot be removed without a key and a lot of noise and effort.

Clutch locks and pedal clamps: these lock together or encase the brake and clutch or brake and accelerator pedals, thus preventing the camper from being driven. They stop the vehicle from being driven even with the car key present.

Gear stick locks: Gear stick locks connect and lock the handbrake and gear lever together, rendering it impossible to drive without removal. They are small and can be folded for storage in the campervan glovebox (subject to glove box dimensions and space).

Campervan windows: often made of toughened safety glass, making them difficult and noisy to break. But they can be better, and a range of window security devices for campervan’s can be retrofitted, including anti-shatter glass safety film and solar screens. If you have the plastic swing out style windows in the back, well, consider just getting rid of them because their construction is a weakness that thieves very commonly exploit. Don’t believe me? Check out Park 4 night reviews in Italy and you’ll see plenty. More on what windows to install here.

Inside the Van

Campervan alarms and immobilisers: When it comes to campervan security, your starting point should be a Thatcham-accredited alarm system and immobiliser. These two devices work in tandem to protect your vehicle from theft. The alarm system is designed to attract attention and make the thief run off, while immobilisers stop the vehicle from being hot-wired. Most new vans come with built-in approved alarms and immobilisers, but if yours doesn’t, have a look at what it costs to get them. And back to the intro, sometimes your insurance requires it, so double the reason to invest.

Secure safe box: When you’re on the road, it’s important to keep your valuables safe and secure. A hidden safe box is a perfect solution for campervan owners who want to protect their laptops, passports, jewellery, and other valuables.

Make sure the safe is completely out of sight and affixed to the van so that it cannot be removed easily, because it’s known for thieves to rip out the whole thing, opening it at a more convenient time and place. But a well secured locked safe box is too time-consuming for most burglars to bother with.

Hidden compartments: are a great way to keep your valuables safe and secure while you’re on the road. You can build them into the van in unexpected places to make them custom to the size of object you want to put in them. However, it’s worth noting that hidden compartments can be annoying to get to often, especially if you need to access them frequently.

Quick escape: A quick escape option is an interesting option in case of an emergency or a break-in. It provides a way to get into the cab or out of the back of the van quickly. It’s a consideration to be able to quickly get into the driver’s seat and drive away in case of a break-in. You could also fit a vent big enough to climb out of, or make sure you can open the van back doors from inside.

GPS-tracked alarm system: A GPS tracking is a terrible way to protect your campervan from theft, but it is quite powerful to get your van back, if the worst does happen. Usually, they send notifications to your phone in case of a break-in, and GPS tracking can help you locate your van quickly, increasing the chances of your van being recovered if it’s stolen. Over 90% of vehicles fitted with trackers are returned within 24 hours, but they require power to run, and often a sim card (read: ongoing cost), so swings and roundabouts. I guess you get what you pay for.

Ghost immobilisers – hidden PIN code: If you want to take campervan security to the next level, consider installing a Ghost immobiliser. These devices set up a PIN code sequence that’s not visible, making it nearly impossible for a thief to drive your campervan. They’re a bit more expensive than standard immobilisers.

Interior security camera’s: If you want to keep a closer eye on your campervan interior, consider installing interior security cameras. These can be motion-triggered or always-on, providing comfort and evidence in case of a break-in. 12V powered cameras are available, and some work on mobile phone networks, allowing you to view the footage from anywhere. They can even alert you and provide live footage if something happens.

Man’s best friend: A dog: When we were younger a string of break ins to our house led to the police suggesting we put a ‘beware of the dog’ sign on our gate. Believe it or not, it actually worked. Dogs are known to deter criminals, and you can use this to your advantage by making it look and sound like you have one. Warning stickers (as above).

Plus, get this, you can also buy dog growling alarms that you can set off automatically or manually, making it sound like there’s a ferocious guard dog inside. Of course, if you actually have a furry friend with you on your travels, they can be an excellent security guard and companion all in one.

Bonus tips

Bonus 1: hidden spare key – under the van: Not a security system, but it is something that we have chosen to do, as security from the inevitable moment you realise you have lost your van keys. A hidden spare key is a simple but effective insurance to clumsiness. We also use it if we want to go surfing, so that we don’t have the electric key on our person. Just make sure to keep the key hidden in a secure location that is difficult for potential thieves to find, like underneath in the chassis.

Bonus 2: Insurance. Before you start emptying your wallet on the latest high-tech gadgetry, it’s worth checking with your insurer to see if they have any specific requirements; if you’re in the UK, there are two main accreditation schemes to look out for: Thatcham Research and Sold Secure.

What we do

We were building our Crafter quick time to get on the road before school holidays started. Luckily our van had an immobiliser and alarm and security film already fit. The bulk head had already been removed, providing quick access to the cab if required. Win. Here’s what else we did:

Added some mini stickers to the window
VanX Curtains – total black out curtains leaving no way at all for thieves to see their potential loot.
Bolted surfbox under the van with a spare key in it, because I’m paranoid about losing our key.
We added a front cab strap to stop front doors from opening from when we were inside.

So you’ll see, whilst we researched a lot, we decided against a lot of the systems you can see. And, in 6 months of travelling the Balkans (including all the places your parents are worried about you going to, like Albania and Montenegro) we think we only lost a bag. Maybe we just got lucky.

For completeness, we’ve got another 2 bonuses for you. The first – Tips for being safe on the road – we think contributes just as much as a security system. Come back to it once you’ve finished the van. The extra bonus at the bottom is what we consider to be the ultimate 10 point security system; if you are going to do anything, do these 10 things.

Bonus 3: Here are our top tips for being safe whilst on the road

Keep your doors locked when driving. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget. Make sure all doors are securely locked, especially in cities, to stop people grabbing and running from the back.

Choose park ups in busy, well-lit areas. Parking in well-lit areas with plenty of foot traffic is a good way to deter thieves from targeting your campervan. Avoid dark and deserted areas where you are more likely to become a victim of crime.

Safety in numbers. If you’re travelling and nervous about a park up, go with the group. Park4Night is your knight in shining armour for finding the more popular spots.

Know the different types of locks your van has and ensure that the alarm’s movement sensor is switched off when you’re sleeping in it. We had a sleepless first night with the alarm going off. In a VW Crafter, you can switch off the movement sensor by locking the van using the button on the dashboard, rather than the key fob.

Don’t ignore your gut feeling. If you are uneasy about a parking spot, it may be best to look for an alternative. Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to err on the side of caution and find a safer place to park.

Be extra vigilant at Aires and cities, as they have been known to be targets for crime, particularly near cities.

Lock up and take your keys with you when paying for fuel.

Don’t be flashy. Avoid drawing attention to your van by keeping any valuable items out of sight. Keep any expensive equipment, laptops and jewellery tucked away. Save the ego for instagram.

Close up your doors when you’re not next to the van. It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked when you’re not in or near your van to prevent anyone from gaining access. We lost a bag in an Athens park up because of this.

Close curtains and blinds when away from the van so that thieves don’t know whether there is anyone inside.

Always lock your van when you’re away from it, even if you’re just popping into the facilities at the campsite. It’s really dull, but you never know.

Don’t leave stuff outside overnight, even in campsites. We want to trust everyone, but sometimes things go missing, even amongst van lifers.

Always store tempting items out of view. If you must leave valuable items in your van, make sure they are tucked away and out of view. This will reduce the temptation for thieves to break in and steal your belongings.

The ultimate 10 point campervan security system

Make the Van unattractive:

Use Stickers on the windows
Don’t be flashy with your gear
Parking: safety in numbers, and use lights as your friend
Ensure you have a loud alarm

Stop it from being broken into:

Front cab strap to stop people getting in the front door
Deadbolts, the most expensive thing on the list but virtually bulletproof
Toughened glass on the windows

Stop if from being driven off:

Steering Wheel Clamp (or use the front cab strap)

Stop valuables from being nicked:

Hide valuables in secret pockets
Bolt in a safe