Caravan owners in Australia are facing a new threat as thieves have begun using a simple yet effective tactic to steal items from caravans. Luke Weber, the owner of Affordable Caravans Service & Repairs, shared insights with Yahoo News about a troubling trend that leaves travelers vulnerable and their belongings at risk.
Weber recounted a “crazy story” involving a customer who witnessed their camping gear being stolen right in front of them. The thieves employed a clever method involving a piece of paper to disable the latch lock on the caravan door. Trapped inside, the unfortunate travelers could only watch helplessly as their possessions were taken away.
According to Weber, most caravan doors manufactured from 2000 onwards utilize a latch mechanism that juts out to enable door locking. However, a small metal ring located on the door handle can also be used to keep the door open. In a recent demonstration, Weber showed how a piece of paper can be placed in the latch area, effectively blocking it and preventing the door from opening.
“It’s very, very simple and it’ll lock people in,” Weber explained. He has been in the caravan repair business for many years and noted that this method of theft has become a common problem. “People get their gear stolen in the middle of the night. They even have their barbecues and fridges taken… They just have to sit in the caravan until it’s over, then climb out a window or something,” he added.
To combat this issue, Weber proposed a straightforward solution. “It’s an easy fix, you just take the little metal ring off where people put the paper,” he advised. This metal ring, which serves a dual purpose as a hook to keep the door open, can be easily removed and stored inside the caravan. Removing it does not compromise the door’s locking mechanism, allowing owners to still secure themselves inside overnight.
As this alarming trend continues to affect Australian caravan owners, awareness and preventative measures become crucial. By taking simple steps, such as removing the metal ring, travelers can protect themselves from potential theft and ensure a safer experience while on the road.
