Caravan Security: UK Theft Statistics, High-Risk Areas, and Recovery Rates

Feb 13
2 min read

Updated: Feb 16

Introduction

Caravanning has grown in popularity in the UK, with thousands of people investing in leisure vehicles for travel and holidays. However, alongside this increase, caravan theft has become a rising concern. This article explores recent theft trends, high-risk areas, and recovery rates to highlight the risks caravan owners face.

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Caravan Security: Theft Statistics in the UK

The theft of caravans in the UK has increased by 7% in 2022 compared to 2021 and by 25% since 2020 (InsureMy, 2023). These figures indicate that thieves are increasingly targeting caravans, making security an essential concern for owners.

Between 2020 and 2022, a total of 1,625 caravans were reported stolen across the UK (Ripe Insurance, 2023). The annual number of thefts increased from 522 in 2020 to 568 in 2022, suggesting a growing trend in criminal activity targeting caravans.

High-Risk Areas for Caravan Theft

Caravan theft is more prevalent in certain parts of the UK. Data from Metropolitan Police show that London recorded the highest number of caravan thefts, with 190 reported incidents between 2020 and 2022 (Ripe Insurance, 2023). In contrast, rural regions such as Devon and Cornwall reported significantly fewer thefts, with only 8 incidents in the same period.

Caravan Recovery Rates

One of the biggest concerns for caravan owners is the low recovery rate of stolen vehicles. Police data from West Yorkshire Police revealed that only 23% of stolen caravans were recovered between 2019 and 2022 (AX Track, 2023). This suggests that many stolen caravans are either resold illegally, dismantled for parts, or taken abroad.

Conclusion

Caravan theft remains a significant issue in the UK, with incidents rising steadily. London and urban areas are at the highest risk, while recovery rates remain low. Caravan owners should stay informed and take necessary precautions to reduce their risk.

Disclaimer

The statistics and data presented in this article are based on publicly available reports and sources as of February 2025. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, caravan theft trends may change over time. For the latest security updates, consult official crime reports, police databases, and caravan security experts.

References

AX Track (2023). Caravan & Motorhome Thefts Up in 2022. Available at: https://track.ax-uk.com/blog/caravan-motorhome-thefts-up-in-2022 [Accessed 13 Feb. 2025].
InsureMy (2023). Caravan Security Report 2023. Available at: https://www.insuremy.co.uk/caravan-security-report [Accessed 13 Feb. 2025].
Ripe Insurance (2023). How Many Caravans Are Stolen in the UK?. Available at: https://www.ripeinsurance.co.uk/caravans/blog/how-many-caravans-are-stolen-in-the-uk [Accessed 13 Feb. 2025].Caravan Theft in the UK: Trends, Risks, and Statistics