WA Innovator of the Year Award winner, WiTi, shares 5 Top Security Tips to protect your van this Summer

WiTi director Tony Maddison is urging caravanners to protect themselves from theft and break-ins this Holiday Season.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that the Christmas holidays is when we often see a spike in thefts and break-ins as people are on the move and would-be burglars and thieves prey on that,” Mr Maddison said.

“When you think about it, caravans and camper trailers are a major investment at an average of $80,000, and up to $300,000 or more, and for many people their life savings are tied up in them,” he said.

“Each year there are hundreds of heartbreaking stories, especially at this time of year, of people who’ve lost everything and the simple fact is that by adopting some routine safety behaviours this can prevented.”

500 Vans stolen each year

It’s estimated that around 500 caravans are stolen each year in Australia while the number of break-ins and attempted break-ins is far in excess of that.

Mr Maddison, a keen caravanner who has himself been the subject of an attempted break-in, said that there are five key steps that holiday makers can take to keep their caravans, towable RVs and pop tops safe:

Smart Parking Practices: Utilise common sense when choosing a parking spot. Opt for secure locations, avoiding isolated areas or spots near potential hiding places for thieves. Consider well-lit areas or designated caravan parks with security personnel. Always lock doors and windows.

Visible and Well-Maintained Caravans: A well-maintained and visible caravan is less likely to attract thieves. Regularly clean and tidy your caravan, and enhance visibility with reflective tape or stickers, especially during nighttime stops.

Keep Valuables Concealed: Avoid displaying valuables and never hang car keys in plain sight. Concealing valuables and being discreet with keys minimises the appeal for potential burglars.

Vigilance and Reporting: Stay vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly. If someone loiters around your caravan or exhibits suspicious behavior, contact the police or park security immediately. Taking proactive steps is crucial in safeguarding your caravan.

Invest in Cutting-Edge Security Systems: The pinnacle of security lies in investing in a quality caravan security system. WiTi, among other options on the market, offers a range of solutions, from wheel clamps to advanced alarms and GPS tracking devices. Choose a system that suits your needs and budget, ensuring proper installation per the manufacturer’s instructions.

“Why make things easy for thieves? Taking these steps will become a routine for you once you’ve done it a few times, and then it becomes a habit and easy to do,” Mr Maddison said.

“And keep an eye out for your fellow caravanners. We are a community and those who embrace the lifestyle know that we can help each other and are happy to do so.”

A True Aussie Innovator

The WA Innovator of the Year Awards is a State Government program run by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) and showcases WA’s brightest innovators and entrepreneurs.

WiTi won the Growth Innovation category at the awards for its suite of technologically advanced, integrated, wireless technologies designed for use on caravans, pop tops and camper trailers and heavy industrial trailers, to prevent theft, and provide advanced braking supports to improve safety.

WiTi is a “pure-play” West Australian company with all its functions including manufacturing at its base in Joondalup.

WiTi has developed a world first anti-theft device specifically designed for caravans and camper trailers. It operates on an integrated WiFi system and prevents theft with a sensitive gyroscope that applies the brakes if it detects movement, sounds an alarm and operates a detection system for attempted break-ins.

It has also developed a world first wireless break controller, wireless towing without the need for wires and cables and a GPS system to track your van.

https://witi.com.au/