You've heard the term "stealth camper", and you probably know it refers to campers that just look like vans. That is to say that they don't have the common features you'd expect a camper to have, like bike racks, awnings, curtains and stock mountain and compass vectors stuck all over them. They're just [usually] white vans that could be full of cables, swimming pool parts, wood, or even nothing at all.

The reason for people choosing to go "stealth" are pretty obvious, especially if they intend to spend time in towns and cities. Campers are often prohibited, targeted by thieves, and hassled by the cockney piglets. White vans look commonplace in such a setting and often go unnoticed.

So you know about stealth campers. But where people often don't think about using stealth is in everything they do around the van. Most van-lifers, through necessity, work remotely. Many have blogs (like this one, but much less amazing). Many make films and videos for youtube. Many show their faces and their vans (and their van's reg plates). Do you see where I'm going?

The Importance Of Shutting Up

While protecting you van will obviously involve such things as physical security, parking considerations ( Scoping Out The Parking) and the like, you also need to take care not to reveal too much about your van, its contents, and importantly, its identity (or yours).

Put yourself in the position of grippy-fingered low-life, just for a moment. Campers usually contain laptops, cameras, phones, cash, passports, and more. They're a great target. And they are often easily identified, with their black windows and tacky decals.

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And what's more exciting than spotting a camper?
Knowing that the inhabitants are probably miles away, exploring the town, and won't be back for hours.
How can you tell? Easy! The lights are off.

Do you know how long it takes to quietly break a window? Two seconds.

Other Stupid Things People Do

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So, your instagram feed shows your latest drone video, a couple of interviews and a video of your busking with your electric guitar, huh? Neat.

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And let's not forget that the entire van could also be removed from its space, without your consent.

Are you getting the picture?

Being Recognizable

Haven't got one? Great. You're doing well. But if you post videos on your popular channel that include your van, even your standard plate is going to be spotted and remembered, especially by people who live near you or where you're going to be - which you obviously publicize in advance. And a motivated scumbag will happily go around all the usual parking areas, to find your van, if they know it's going to yield an epic payday. I've seen it more times than I can count.

Takeaway points

* Obscure or blur your plates, whenever your van is being photographed.

* Don't use recognizable emblems, designs, text or color schemes on the outside of your van. Bog standard is the best bet.

* Don't publicize your current or future whereabouts to strangers on the internet.

* Never share your real name, the area you live in or near, or the registration or VIN of your van.

* Always assume some of your followers might be rat shits who would rob you at a moment's notice.

* Keep your cockpit (and any part of the van that can be observed through a window) plain and unrecognizable.

* If you have any external customization, or there's anything non-standard about your cockpit (even as far a seat covers or a dash ornament), never show it on videos or photos.

* When you meet strangers who show an interest in your work or lifestyle, never tell them where your van is. If you're in it at the time, always be vague about where you're going next.

* If you travel with a dog, keep him out of the videos, as he adds to your recognizability. If he's a feature of your show, at least give him a pseudonym, so that no stranger can call him for a reaction that will confirm your identity.

The Hard Truth

Yes, that happened in Spain. In the middle of the day. People who steal for a living are bold and cunning. Even I wasn't ready for such a blatant casing.

Take care, guys. Your livelihood and your home may depend on a careless video or instagram post.