You’ve spent the day hiking through ancient gorges or splashing in a remote creek. You return to your site—sun-kissed, content… and then your heart sinks.
Your caravan is gone. Or maybe your generator, fridge, or camping chairs have vanished without a trace.
It’s a gut-wrenching feeling, and sadly, it’s more common than you might think. Caravan and camping theft is on the rise across Australia, especially in remote or free-camping areas where security is minimal and opportunistic thieves are watching.
But here’s the good news: you can take some simple, effective steps to protect your rig and gear—and have a solid backup plan in place if things go wrong.
1. Lock Your Caravan & Hitch
Most caravan thefts are quick and opportunistic. Thieves aren’t cracking safes—they’re looking for an easy win. And if your van is unhitched and unattended, it takes less than a minute for someone to back up, hook up, and drive away.
✅ Use a hitch lock to physically block the coupling.
✅ Install a wheel clamp for added deterrent value—thieves don’t want to spend time fiddling.
✅ Reinforce your door locks—many factory caravan doors can be jimmied open with minimal effort.
If you use a WITI security system like we do, you’ve got an added layer of protection. It not only locks your van electronically but also triggers alerts and immobilisation features if movement is detected. That’s serious peace of mind.
cruisemaster hitch lock
2. Secure Your Camping Gear
We’ve all done it—left the fridge plugged in outside overnight or forgotten to bring in the camp chairs. Unfortunately, outdoor gear is a magnet for thieves.
✔️ Cable locks through your fridge, solar panels, BBQs, or bikes can stop a casual thief in their tracks.
✔️ Store valuables inside your van or vehicle when not in use—especially overnight.
✔️ Install motion-sensor lights or cameras around your setup if you’re in one spot for a while—just the sight of a light or camera can deter someone up to no good.
Even in busy campgrounds, theft can (and does) happen. So a little effort now can save you a big headache later.
ground dogs cable lock
3. Track Your Van with GPS
If your caravan or vehicle does get taken, knowing where it is makes a world of difference.
A hidden GPS tracker in your caravan or tow vehicle allows you to follow its location in real-time. Some systems even alert your phone when your van moves unexpectedly—like WITI’s motion-sensing feature.
It’s one of the best ways to help authorities recover your rig quickly and in one piece.
anti theft system
4. Get the Right Insurance
Even with all the locks, lights, and gadgets, sometimes theft still happens. That’s where good insurance kicks in.
✔️ Club 4x4 Insurance covers your caravan and your camping gear—even if it’s stolen from outside your setup.
✔️ Whether you’re parked in the bush or staying in a busy caravan park, you’re covered anywhere in Australia.
✔️ If something is stolen or damaged, the right insurance helps you bounce back quickly—without wearing the full financial burden.
Final Thought: Lock It, Track It, Insure It
We all head off on these epic Aussie adventures to chase freedom, not fear. And a few smart security steps can mean the difference between a dream trip and a nightmare.
🔐 Lock it.
📍 Track it.
🛡️ Insure it.
So go on - explore Australia with confidence, knowing you’ve got the right protection in place.
Want a quote for caravan insurance that actually covers you on and off the road?
Check out Club 4X4 Insurance today and travel Australia the smart way.
Theft Prevention Checklist
- Install a heavy-duty hitch lock
- Use a wheel clamp when parked
- Upgrade caravan door locks or use additional locks
- Enable WITI security system (if installed)
- Secure outdoor gear (fridge, BBQ, solar panels) with cable locks
- Bring valuables inside overnight or when away from the campsite
- Avoid leaving tools and electronics unattended
- Store bikes and toys securely when not in use
- Install a hidden GPS tracker in your caravan and/or vehicle
- Set up alerts for unexpected movement (WITI or other systems)
- Review your current insurance policy – know what’s covered
- Ensure your gear and accessories are listed with accurate values
- Choose a policy that covers theft anywhere in Australia (like Club 4x4)
- Lock up every time you leave camp—even for a quick walk
- Check all locks before going to bed
- Keep security lights or sensors active at night, especially in remote campgrounds
- Get to know your camp neighbours—look out for each other