Theft

[sl1966]

Now I've read multiple articles about how safe this lifestyle is and how crime rarely happens. That being said, no place is perfect. I've heard and read enough stories where you can expect to lose something if it isn't bolted down. Like a portable generator, ice chest, etc.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>What about stuff that is bolted down?&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Has anyone ever driven away from there RV or Trailer only find things missing when you've returned?&nbsp;</div>

 

[gadgetMe]

Nope<br>so far never<br>Even on free camping, BLM, state parks, national parks, or others, even 650 ft from the Mexican border<br>Putz<br>

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[sl1966]

Sorry, I should have said that I'm an avid camper and have never had anything stolen before. The only places I haven't been to yet is most of the BLM land where boondockers frequent along with non-BLM boondock spots.<div><br></div><div>Good to know no problems.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Pond, actually whereabouts near the Mexican border have you stayed at before?</div>

 

[gadgetMe]

Algodones, Yuma Az area,<br>Putz<br>

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[Guest]

Hi Steve, In all my years of doing this stuff in one way or another... I have never had anything taken or been bothered by anyone. Knock on wood! ;^)<br>I have camped all over Alaska, Canada, US, Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Mostly free camp but some campgrounds. <br>Keep in mind that I have a strong habit of ALWAYS putting everything away in the vehicle at night, I secure anything like bicycles, motorbikes, etc. with cables and locks at all times unless I am using them at the time. It is just a matter of common sense to my thinking.<br><br>Happy camping,<br>Bri<br><br><br>

 

[Bear]

<P>I use "out of sight, out of mind" - if the curtains don't keep eyes away, I throw a blanket over it. Knock on wood, no issues so far! It probably helps that it's an 89 Vanagon with a cassette tape deck that no one would want even if they didn't have to break a window to get it&nbsp;<IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"></P>

 

[sl1966]

My mother is Peruvian. If anyone has ever been there, you'll know they've got the slickest thieves on the planet. I grew up with "leave nothing to chance" because of her upbringing.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I'm glad to hear that I've got little to worry about.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks guys!</div><div>Steve</div>

 

[akrvbob]

I am a campground host in the Sierra National Forest in the summer. On my days off I generally leave my campsite, Several times I have had things taken from my camp. In the past i was in a truck camper so I took everything of value with me. Next summer I will be in a trailer so it will stay at camp on my days off. I will just secure things as well as I can and not leave anything of value out. <br><br>Let me add that this is an unusual situation. I am there 6 months at a time and my patterns are pretty obvious to anybody who looks for them. It doesn't apply to the situation most vandwellers ever come across. Bob<br><br>

 

[mountaintramp]

i've never had anything stolen while camping. a few months ago i was at the slabs and left camp a few times. i left my solar panels out when i went. one of my neighbors came over to warn me that things get stolen all the time there. he said one time some people were in their RV watching TV. the TV went out so they went outside to find their generator gone.&nbsp; i think someone just got tired of the noise and took it for that reason, which is justifiable to me.<br><br><br><br>

 

[Guest]

I'm guessing that your location will have a lot to do with theft/vandalism issues. Here in SW FL, you aren't safe in your own driveway; nor is your home safe while your in it. Having vehicles, homes and trailers broken into is an all day, every day thing. They'll steal the tires right off your car/truck in your own driveway and/or back a truck up and clean out your house while you're at work.
Most "opportunity thieves" carry cordless cutting wheels (much smaller and faster than bolt cutters!)- buzz right thru a lock, chain or hinge in seconds. So truck tool boxes, trailer tongue boxes, battery boxes, chains..... are nothing but a minor inconvenience to scumbags who want what you have.
Best thing you can do is BE AWARE at all times and either try to stay in well-lit, busy places - or - get as far away from people as you can.

4x4 Chevy

 

[Tao Seeker]

A while back I was considering how to keep my stuff safe in a van. My first thought was simple: how much does a safe cost? But then I thought "Why buy a safe when I could just hide it really well?" This led me to a search for 'decoy safes'.<br><br>For precious belongings and valuable of smaller sizes, you can simply stick them in one of these diversion safes and nobody would think to take it. I began to think about making my own while I was enjoying some canned tuna this morning, and I remembered about this post.<br><br>

 

[Guest]

4x4chevy, <br>your post begs the question, enlighten me as to why you would stay and live in an area like that? Especially if mobile? I never feel that even in Mexico where everyone is afraid to go.....Just askin'?<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[gadgetMe]

This reminds me of a story of a fellow in Mexico last year, he had stopped for fuel, and then parked away in a somewhat remote part of the area, <br><br>A couple of guys threatened him and wanted his billfold, he had a second billfold with expired cards, fake id, and 5 dollars, he gave them that one and they were gone. <br><br>Good clever idea.<br><br>Putz,<br>&nbsp;

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