Large quantities of campers stolen from various North Holland coastal towns.

The increasing trend of campervan theft in North Holland's coastal villages is a cause for concern for locals and tourists alike. In 2022, no fewer than 130 campers belonging to both Dutch and foreign tourists were stolen, which is a record number. This is not only bad for the safety and security of travelers, but also for the image of North Holland as a tourist destination.

The stolen campers and caravans Facebook page features desperate calls for help and angry emoticons, including offers of a €10.000 reward for every useful tip. This shows the emotional and financial impact these thefts have on RV owners.

According to NHnieuws.nl shows that 584 campers have been stolen throughout the Netherlands in the past four years, of which 124 in North Holland. This makes North Holland the preferred destination for these criminals.

The thieves usually work together, and not alone. There are at least two: one drives the car they arrive in; and another takes a camper/RV or other large vehicle for extra space to store some of their stolen goods away from prying eyes. It is important to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately to stop these criminals.

Once the thieves have found or tracked down a camper, they first create a special box. This box stores all the information about that specific RV, such as the VIN number and the key used to open the RV. With this device they read the lock and thus gain access to the key. They sharpen the key and then test it by inserting it into the camper door. And if they can get into the RV, they'll come back later and steal it.

Installing a GPS system or an Apple AirTag can also help find the camper in the event of theft. It is wise to take precautions and secure your RV to avoid falling victim to this unwanted situation. Install a mechanical safety device, such as a lock on the gear lever (a bearlock). Control rods can be attached to the brake pedal, place a good lock on all roof hatches and doors.

The criminals not only target the campers themselves, but especially the valuables contained within them. The expensive appliances and built-in kitchen in an RV are a tempting target for thieves, who take advantage of the fact that many owners leave behind valuables such as stereos or computers when they go camping. If possible, remove your valuables before you drive off into the sunset – and lock them up!

The coastal villages of North Holland are beautiful destinations for tourists and road trippers, but we must remain alert to the risks of theft. If we work together to report suspicious activity and take precautions, we can improve the safety and security of travelers in this region. Spokesman André Bouwman of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence and Expertise Center (LIV) indicates that it is important to report suspicious activities immediately to the police. This can help track down the perpetrators and prevent more campers from being stolen.

From the research of NHnieuws.nl In collaboration with detective Nancy from the Haaglanden team, it appears that the thieves often drive around looking for a specific model of camper. They often strike in a large parking lot and among German tourists, because German license plates are more difficult for the police to trace. That is why it is important to be extra alert in places where many campers of different nationalities are together.

It's also important to know that criminals usually don't steal the RVs of people sleeping in them, but those of people staying in a hotel or apartment for a few days. That's why it's important to take extra precautions when parking your RV unattended for extended periods of time.

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence and Expertise Center (LIV) recommends securing your camper with mechanical security equipment, such as a lock on the gear lever or a steering rod that can be attached to the brake pedal. Place a good lock on all roof hatches and doors and ensure that valuables are out of sight and, if possible, taken with you when leaving the camper.

Although the theft of campers in North Holland is a serious problem, there are ways to reduce the risk of theft. By staying alert and taking precautions, we can improve the safety and security of travelers and ensure that North Holland remains a safe and attractive destination for tourists and road trippers.