The importance of good motorhome security was highlighted after three motorhomes, with a combined value of £180,000, were stolen from a forecourt and successfully retrieved.
Thieves targeted Stewart Mouland Motorcaravans on 23rd April, cutting through padlocks and neutralising immobilisers to make off with five vehicles within a twenty minute period.
“The thieves were in and out within minutes, knowing exactly what they were doing and fully prepared to get past all our physical security barriers,’ commented Stephen Mouland, the owner of the dealership.
He informed the police but was not anticipating seeing any of them anytime soon.
However, three of the motorhomes were fitted with tracking devices from stolen vehicle recovery expert Tracker. Within hours of the theft being reported, the ‘vans were located in three South London locations, parked and with false plates. This allowed the police to act and recover them.
These were three Swift motorhomes, a Bessacarr, Bolero and a Kon-tiki.
Mouland added: “They were obviously experts and I believe that without the Tracker devices installed the motorhomes would never have been returned.”
“I would urge other retailers to check if the used vehicles on their forecourts have Trackers installed, and to get all stock protected as soon as possible. I am now also looking into getting devices installed at point of sale so my customers can benefit from the same protection as my business does.”
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker commented: “The cost of caravans and motorhomes is increasing alongside the growing popularity of staycations and camping and caravanning holidays abroad. The lack of supply of vehicles and parts is further increasing value and demand. At Tracker we are seeing the impact this has on the number of thefts and the lengths criminals will go to in order to steal these highly desirable, high-value vehicles.”
“As Stephen experienced, thieves are not always put off by physical barriers, so a Tracker device is an essential tool in protecting vehicles on the forecourt or on a customer’s driveway, increasing the likelihood that a stolen vehicle can be returned to its owner or the retailer. Retailers and dealers have an important role to play in educating their customers and helping them to protect their vehicles, and ultimately their holidays.”
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