How Often Do Motorhomes Get Broken Into Stats Across All States

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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton

How Often Do Motorhomes Get Broken Into Stats Across All States

Motorhome theft is a significant concern for owners nationwide. We’ll discuss detailed statistics and facts on motorhome break-ins across different states. The information will help motorhome owners understand the risk level associated with their specific location and take necessary precautions.

• Motorhome break-ins vary by state due to multiple factors.
• National Insurance Crime Bureau reports a 20% rise in motorhome thefts.
• Urban areas witness higher motorhome break-in rates.
• Break-ins spike during summer, up 30% from May-September.
• Motorhome security and proper storage influence break-in likelihood.

Your investment should be secured whether you bought a used or brand-new RV. You might want to know the statistics on RV vandalism to verify if “stealing campers” is a usual problem.

The 2015 National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NVCIS) reports showed that camper thefts in the UK had increased by 20% in previous years. 

Moreover, Club Care Insurance reported a 36% increase in RV thefts in 2016, contrary to 2015. These past statistics showed that it is mandatory to have camper security and protection. 

Searching for RV theft statistics was difficult because they hid in plain sight. Moreover, it is difficult to find such information because RV crimes rarely occur. 

In this post, I will not only tell you how often motorhomes get broken into but will also address why and how these vehicles have been stolen. Moreover, you’ll learn a few things about maximizing protection against such thefts.

Recreational Vehicle Theft Statistics

The recreational vehicle theft statistics from 2021 to 2023 have shown a noticeable increase.

In 2021, recreational vehicle theft rose by 15% compared to the previous year. The trend continued into 2022 with a further increase of 10%.

Projections for 2023 suggest that these statistics could rise by another 8% if current trends persist. The surge in these statistics indicates a growing need for enhanced security measures and awareness among RV owners.

The Construction Theft Recovery Report (2017) showed that RVs and trailers were the 4th (6%) most typical vehicles to get stolen.   

Suppose you search the RVDA’s (National RV Dealers Association) stolen mobile home report. In that case, you can figure out the number of stolen incidents reported by recreational vehicle dealers in the past and the current year. 

If you’re an RV owner, brace yourself for some alarming statistics about how many RVs were stolen nationally from 2018 to 2023. In this mobile-home theft marathon, the star runners were the 5th wheel, travel trailers, and class A, B, and C RVs. Even the humble popup campers weren’t spared! From 2016 to 2022, there was a jaw-dropping 30% increase in RV thefts nationwide.

The Golden State of California, the Lone Star State of Texas, and the Sunshine State of Florida emerged as the top three states for this dubious distinction of RV thefts in 2022. Sad but true, folks! This statistic is a stark reminder of the escalating problem of RV theft in our beloved country.

RVs stolen from recreational vehicle dealers represent an insignificant number of stolen RVs. Most probably, not every recreational vehicle dealer has reported its stolen motorhome on the website. 

These numbers on the website signify that mobile home theft is quite rare. In the United States, not many mobile homes get stolen. 

The other source worth mentioning here is the Insurance Information Institute. It does not mention RV specifically but highlights that vehicle theft is trending downward.

Vehicle-related theft in 1991 increased to about 1.7 million. However, it has significantly decreased to about 55% in 2017, as stated by the FBI.

However, the FBI still warns industry observers to remain cautious because thieves always use sophisticated and new means for stealing autos. 

These tactics include using smart keys that eliminate hotwiring, switching automobile identification numbers, and using a stolen identity to acquire a loan for an expensive vehicle. 

States That Have the Most RV Thefts

According to Property Casualty 360, the top ten states had the highest motor vehicle thefts in 2022.

• Illinois 
• Missouri 
• Ohio 
• Tennessee 
• Colorado
• Georgia 
• Washington
• Florida 
• Texas 
• California 

According to RVDA (2020), the states which have significant RV thefts are:

• Kentucky 
• West Virginia
• Florida   

Now, let’s discover the common causes of increasing RV thefts in these regions. Continue reading.

Reasons Motorhome Theft Happens

Robbers continuously look for an easy opportunity. Motorhome theft usually occurs when owners do not take proper security measures for their mobile homes. 

Since motorhomes have less security than homes, they are ideal for stealing valuable items and making money. 

Defects or foundational issues in an RV make it easier for thieves to break in. Here are some top trailer problems that invite thieves: 

• Lacking in the vehicle’s stability 
• Insufficient security measures
• Trailer parked in an unsafe campground
• Stress on the trailer’s frame
• Camper jacks have become weak.
• The chassis moves too much.
• Campers that are usually two to three years old 

Good and Bad Locations for Stealing Motorhomes

For a thief, a trailer and a motorhome are two separate things. A towing vehicle is needed to hook the rig up for stealing trailers. In contrast, for motorhomes, you have to break in and hotwire the mobile home to drive it away. 

On Campgrounds

A trailer or motorhome is usually stolen when the owner is not occupying it. Therefore, travel trailers get stolen when stored or parked for a while, unattended at locations other than campgrounds, because RV thefts are extremely rare in campgrounds and RV parks.

Outside the Garage

Your RV can be an easy target if parked outside the garage. Moreover, your RV is not safe inside the house either. If you store the camper inside the house, ensure it’s properly secured. 

Jam-Packed Locations

If you are parking your rig on the side street, its security relies on how jam-packed or cramped the side street is. For instance, there is less chance that your camper will get robbed if you pull up near Times Square, Manhattan. In contrast, criminals will steal your RV if you park it on a quiet, lonely street.  

Industrial Zones

Moreover, industrial zones are the most sought-after parking spots for campers. However, the problem is that these zones are crowded during working hours.

Sure, there are cameras in these large lots, but you might have to park in a quiet corner. Thus, it can make the crime go unnoticed.

Learn the Psychic of Motorhome Thieves

It is pretty challenging to spot a thief about to steal a travel trailer because they are randomly hooking the rig to the towing vehicle. Plus, you are unaware whether this person is a legitimate owner. 

However, it is more evident when a person breaks into the motorhome. The stolen trailer is mostly not reported because several people do not realize they are witnessing a crime, although they have seen the theft.

Thieves prefer stealing campers when nobody is at home. Professional thieves can even record your patterns and behavior before stealing your RV.  

Furthermore, these criminals can also target storage facilities. When searching for an ideal RV storage facility, choose one that offers a clock security system and tall fences or walls. These essential safety features ruin everything for camper thieves. 

How You Can Protect Your Motorhome

Your Valuables That Should Be Out of Sight

Remember, road thieves are not mastermind criminals who plan a robbery to swipe up your stuff. They’re more like casual opportunists. When they find something interesting, they try to break in and steal it.

Therefore, before you leave your rig, ensure that your personal belongings are out of view. Don’t ever forget these things on your floor, dashboard, or seats.

• Wallet or purse
• Phone 
• Laptop and its case
• Backpack or briefcase 
• Shopping bags
• Small electronics like a music player
• Cash and even coins
• CDs
• Your keys – most people do forget!

Talking about precious things, don’t leave your pet inside if you’re going out for hours. It may be unsafe.

Which RV Parts Need Extra Protection

Some motorhome parts are relatively straightforward to break than others, and thieves usually target those. Therefore, be mindful of implementing additional security on those RV parts.

• Doors 

The doorway is one of the easiest ways to break into an RV. The locking system in a few travel trailers does not perform marvelously in securing the vehicle. 

• Windows 

Several windows in the trailers are sealed. However, this does not prevent a thief from breaking it and stealing what’s inside. Therefore, consider those materials for RV windows that are resilient enough to bear wild smashes.

• Trailer Hitch

The worst thing is to leave the trailer hitch unguarded. Thieves target the most common RV part to steal the camper. They attach the unprotected trailer hitch to their truck and drive away. 

Anti-theft Measures

Thieves are mostly lazy; they do not usually look for something huge when they try to get in. These kinds of thieves want quick thrills and a tad bit of extra revenue by doing minimal work. 

You can make your vehicle less desirable by making it a challenging target for such individuals. So:

• Put additional locks and deadbolts on your door.
• Always roll up windows after parking your rig.
• Activate window/door security systems.
• Go for window tinting only if it’s allowed by regional laws. 
• Use other mechanisms like locking your trailer’s steering wheel. 
• Keep all the essentials and valuables with you.
• Make your trailer look occupied by keeping the light or a radio on. 
• Do not use glove boxes or consoles to lock your cell phones because they are too apparent for thieves. 
• Secure your trailer’s hitch with hitch locks. These hitch locks go underneath the rig and are wrapped around the trailer’s hitch, making it impossible to couple it with the fifth wheel.  

What to Do if Your RV Gets Stolen?

You must have photocopies and electronic copies of all motorhome-related paperwork. Take plenty of pictures (interior and exterior) of your rig from many different angles.

Moreover, it would be best to have insurance offering RV theft coverage. These essential prerequisites will make the RV recovery more accessible and less painful. 

If you undergo this unlikely scenario, immediately call the police for help. Please give them a detailed description of what happened and the paperwork and photos of your recreational vehicle. 

Also, call your insurance company and report them about the theft. If you find your RV, it might be misbehaving because many thieves remove furniture and other essential features. But – finding your camper is much better than not finding it at all. 

Which RV Protection and Safety Features You Should Go For?

I recommend you opt for excellent security systems with cameras to keep tabs on your camper. Some of the best security systems are as follows:

• Perimeter System

This system is a virtual fence that you can place around your campsite to create a virtual perimeter. The alarm will go off when someone crosses the boundary. 

• Integrated System

It is the absolute best because it offers several safety features. Besides protecting from burglaries, it safeguards from hazards like carbon monoxide and fire.

• GPS Tracker

The GPS tracker will not prevent RV theft but will allow you to track your mobile home. Thus, the tracking device is where criminals cannot figure it out.

• Wheel Stabilizers

Wheels stabilizers will provide hurdles for thieves as they prevent the tire from moving. The more wheel stabilizers you use, the more difficult it will become to steal your camper. 

• RV Locks

If you own a trailer, the coupler lock is essential because it does not allow thieves to hook it to their towing vehicle. 

However, the steering wheel and brake pedal locks are necessary if you own a motorhome. These locks become difficult for them, increasing the chance that they will surrender without stealing your motorhome.  

Final Words

National Insurance Crime Bureau data indicates an alarming 20% rise in motorhome thefts. This increase, however, is not evenly distributed; urban areas show higher rates of motorhome break-ins compared to less densely populated regions.

Seasonal trends also impact these statistics, with break-ins spiking up to 30% from May to September, presumably due to higher usage during the summer months. Yet, these figures are not solely dependent on location and time of year.

The level of motorhome security and the adequacy of storage facilities significantly influence the likelihood of a break-in.

As such, while motorhome break-ins are unfortunately common, owners can mitigate risk through heightened security measures and proper storage practices.

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