It
is unfortunate that theft should be a concern when you are camping.
However, this problem is on the rise.
The
following information may help you prevent property loss due to theft.
There
are several types of theft to be concerned about.
Most
people worry about leaving their possessions in their tent while
they are gone for the day.
Some
robberies do take place this way -
but
not many.
Most
robberies take place at night or at the trail heads while the
visitors (your family!) are out hiking.
There
are a few easy ways to reduce your chances of being robbed or lessen
the impact a robbery could have on you.
Ask
the camp staff if the park has had problems with robberies.
Most
of the parks warned people about problems when they had them.
Preventing
Day Time Camp Robberies
Techniques
to lock your tent? Don't
bother!
There
is no real point to locking your zippers. Anyone who would steal
from your site could slice through your tent with a razor blade.
If
you went to the effort to lock up your tent -
it
would draw attention to the fact that you have valuables inside.
You
might not get robbed -
but
could still end up with a big hole in your tent when somebody went shopping.
You
can leave most of your stuff in your tent,
but
leave nothing on this
list.
Sleeping
bags, sleeping pads, lanterns. etc., should be just fine! Never
leave food in your tent or campsite -
Food
in your tent will invite critters -
and
they may tear up your tent to get to it. However
. . .
I
have been introduced via an e-mail of a Camping Alarm System.
Although I have not tried this device, it sounds like a remarkable
little system!
A
2-Way wireless security Portable burglar alarm system. The most
versatile invisible alarm on the market.
Secure your camp site day or night. While you
are away know you site is protected from hungry animals, thieves, or
any other unwanted guests. Arm the campsafe l when you leave
and it will blanket the campsite (400sg.ft.) with a invisible rf
signal. Any violation of this perimeter will cause the siren to
blast away. Can be heard over a mile away.
When night falls arm the campsafe l with one of the
remotes after you turn in. Simply disarm it if you need to exit
the tent. Set it close to your tent or tents to prevent
unwanted visitors while you are sleeping. Any movement which
breaks the barrier will sound the siren and light up the night with
the hyper strobe.
Nothing on the market exists until now that offers you
this protection. Self contained portable security system.
Move it around the site as needed. Protect yourself from
thieves and intruders with steal armors campsafe l alarm.
Weights less than 10lbs. Rechargeable battery will last a whole
week without charging.
We skin the campsafe l in an ingloo cooler for
additional protection as well as a way to make it invisible from detection.
*NOTE: For those of you who have
purchased one of these items - PLEASE email
me with your recommendations.
Preventing
Night Time Robberies
When
you park in your site for the night, lock your doors!
Most
people don't -
and
it's easy pickings.
Don't
assume you'll hear a thief -
people
rarely do!
One
couple had their dog in the car. The car got robbed and the dog
never barked once! If your dog is not named 'Killer' or 'Spike' don't
expect it to guard your belongings.
These
people were just grateful that they still had a dog!
Try
to put all of your valuables in your trunk.
An
empty car is uninviting to a thief (unless
it's a car thief)
If
you pack your car to the roof like I do it is impossible to hide
everything. Make sure that none of the items listed
here are in your car - put them in the trunk or keep them
with you!
If
you drive an older car with wind wing windows -
put
all of your valuables in your trunk!
These
windows can be opened from the outside with a coat hanger -
and
even I can open a pre-72 car door with a coat hanger!
If
I can do it, anyone can! Your trunk is always the best bet!
Preventing
Parking Lot Theft
Parking
at hiking areas during the day can also lead to theft. Never
leave valuables in site in your car!
You
will get a broken window to go along with the loss of your valuables!
If
you can leave enough gear at your site for all of your other stuff
to go in your trunk, you will do best!
A
car that is empty is less of a risk than one full of junk that may
be hiding something!
The
most common things stolen are:
Cameras
(video included)
Tapes
CD's
Radios
(boom boxes and Walkman style)
Game
Boy or other electronic game (leave it at home!)
Wallets
Nice
clothing (jackets, Levi's jeans, etc.)
Coolers
Catching
the Robber
Some
people do catch these thieves in the act.
If
you find someone stealing your stuff, use common sense!
Like
most wild animals, most campground thieves will run if you shout
loudly. These people want nothing to do with you -
they
just want your stuff.
You
just may be unlucky enough to get a really dangerous criminal -
so
please don't try to chase this person down!
If
you are robbed report any missing items to a Ranger.
There
are many people who actually make a living by robbing campgrounds
and selling the stolen goods.
Any
information you provide to a Ranger could help to catch the criminal.
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