Security ideas needed

Shasta Bob · 09-25-2021, 04:39 PM

I was camping in a state park, and others in the park were hit by thief's of camping equipment. now I'm looking for some type of security , Camera or motion lights , trail cameras.
We were not hit by the vandals as i expected the possibility of rain my camp was picked up but the bins were not locked, so now i need ideas. Help

jasin1 · 09-25-2021, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shasta Bob

I was camping in a state park, and others in the park were hit by thief's of camping equipment. now I'm looking for some type of security , Camera or motion lights , trail cameras.
We were not hit by the vandals as i expected the possibility of rain my camp was picked up but the bins were not locked, so now i need ideas. Help

Cameras won’t do much good these days…even with photo proof it seems people aren’t being charged if thefts are under $1000..I have heavy duty motorcycle chain locks..bought from a motorcycle dealer..probably get on Amazon now…maybe get some solar powered security lights and place them around the camper…everything of value locked in the trailer and get a beware of dog sign and put it on the camper…I lock my grill and bikes up..would take a lot of time to cut through them

retiredusps69 · 09-25-2021, 05:14 PM

Son mounted solar powered motion detector lights with velcro, he didn't want to drill holes. they are sort of wedge shape. they light up enough if you go out at night and not to bright to disturb your neighbors. he pulls them off when traveling.one night we went for a walk ,he pulls out of his pocket made walking a trail easier. no one thought to bring a light.

Essvar · 09-25-2021, 05:34 PM

Cameras are always an “after incident” in hopes of identifying the person. First line of defense is alway don’t leave a “low hanging fruit”. Second is lock that fruit and light it up.

Solar 12v motion light and heavy duty chain will deter 90% if they go past those then they will get your stuff no matter what, and only then is when cameras would come into play.

I lived in southern Oregon for 25yrs, camped in Hornbrook a lot…. I learned the hard way about how meth heads operate.

**sourdough** · 09-25-2021, 06:15 PM

JMO....State parks and other "public" access areas for RVers are rife with folks that "hit it and get it". Been to many, love the areas but don't like the "wildlife" they attract. The best place to stay to see my son is on a lake with a COE campground; pretty, nice spots but so many drunks I have no use for it.

If and when I choose to stay in such a place I carry a long, heavy chain that I intertwine through my cookers and tables. Between the aluminum legs, chains, locks etc. I'm not too worried about someone coming in to take something in the middle of the night. Puppy is there as well and let's me know long before anything is going to happen so I can grab "Python". During the day I assume (hope) most campers are decent and would be a deterrent in and of themselves if I'm gone. I've never lost a thing (knock on wood) and I leave a LOT of stuff out (generally with no deterrents).....but I'm selective in where I stay. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw as well.

wiredgeorge · 09-26-2021, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

JMO....State parks and other "public" access areas for RVers are rife with folks that "hit it and get it". Been to many, love the areas but don't like the "wildlife" they attract. The best place to stay to see my son is on a lake with a COE campground; pretty, nice spots but so many drunks I have no use for it.

If and when I choose to stay in such a place I carry a long, heavy chain that I intertwine through my cookers and tables. Between the aluminum legs, chains, locks etc. I'm not too worried about someone coming in to take something in the middle of the night. Puppy is there as well and let's me know long before anything is going to happen so I can grab "Python". During the day I assume (hope) most campers are decent and would be a deterrent in and of themselves if I'm gone. I've never lost a thing (knock on wood) and I leave a LOT of stuff out (generally with no deterrents).....but I'm selective in where I stay. Sometimes it's the luck of the draw as well.

I hope by "python" you are not referring to a body part!

**sourdough** · 09-26-2021, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

I hope by "python" you are not referring to a body part!

Ever watch "Next of Kin" with Patrick Swayze? Might want to keep a "python" by the bed.....

As far as Jim's comments on use of force and locking up everything every time you leave....I agree. Don't want or need the thread veering off into the "macho man" territory but Texas does allow use of deadly force to protect personal property;

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.9.htm

That said, I can't imagine trying to get one's self embroiled in such an iffy situation over a bbq pit or bicycle. If they are armed and threatening a loved one or myself is one thing, the little things aren't even kind of worth it....file a police report. The slope is WAY to slippery and unknown to take that kind of chance.

As far as locking up everything when you leave, again I agree with Jim. If I have to do that I don't need to be going anywhere because as he said, I would just be "camping in fear" everywhere. Nah, I've got other things to worry about.

**JRTJH** · 09-26-2021, 11:04 AM

It seems to me that the "public funded recreational sites" around larger cities have become more of a "homeless camp" than a "campground". On our last trip, state parks and municipal campgrounds that were "really nice" were "not so nice" this past trip. We have stayed in several of these parks in the past and were looking forward to them this past trip. Some of them were the same as before, but some of them, typically those close to large cities, were entirely different from past visits.

Many showed more run down bath houses, full trash cans, older RV's with lots of "older camping equipment set up around them (obviously semi-permanent residences). Along with that came more crowded camping, more noise, more traffic, and even higher prices.

At many of them, I questioned the "intent of some fellow campers". No, I'm not an "old fogey" just someone who tries to keep my head out of the cockpit and who takes notice of changes that happen around me. I didn't feel comfortable in some of the same campgrounds that we looked forward to visiting again. It was "who was camped around us" that caused my concern.

No, we didn't leave anything laying around if we weren't outside using it..... YMMV

GaryUT · 09-25-2021, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shasta Bob

I was camping in a state park, and others in the park were hit by thief's of camping equipment. now I'm looking for some type of security , Camera or motion lights , trail cameras.
We were not hit by the vandals as i expected the possibility of rain my camp was picked up but the bins were not locked, so now i need ideas. Help

If your trailer has the CH751 locks on any of the storage compartments change them. I changed all the locks on my trailer even the ones that weren't the 751's. I put a lock on the propane compartment. (I know it's not supposed to be locked). Don't leave anything valuable out when you are not at the trailer. Talk to your neighbors, at least introduce yourself or say hello, that way you know who should be at their trailer.

Even with that, expensive items, cameras, computers, firearms, they all go in the truck with us when we go out for the day.

Gary

Stumpy75 · 09-26-2021, 03:57 AM

I use cables instead of chains. Bolt cutters can take out a chain fairly quickly, but will choke on cables. Most thieves don't carry a cable cutter...

notanlines · 09-26-2021, 04:26 AM

Let's remember before all this talk goes 'macho man,' you can't shoot an individual stealing your bicycle, your car, your laptop or anything else. Fire in the air if you think a meth-head will be scared off (you'd be wrong) but you cannot shoot a thief.
Richard Pryor once said "A wino ain't afraid of nothin' but running out of wine." Guess who meth-heads emulate?
On another note, I simply cannot imagine going through life loading up all my electronics, cameras, watches, etc into the van every time DW and I leave the RV. That's living/camping in fear. No, it is NOT being careful, it is living in fear.

Northofu1 · 09-26-2021, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notanlines

Let's remember before all this talk goes 'macho man,' you can't shoot an individual stealing your bicycle, your car, your laptop or anything else. Fire in the air if you think a meth-head will be scared off (you'd be wrong) but you cannot shoot a thief.
Richard Pryor once said "A wino ain't afraid of nothin' but running out of wine." Guess who meth-heads emulate?
On another note, I simply cannot imagine going through life loading up all my electronics, cameras, watches, etc into the van every time DW and I leave the RV. That's living/camping in fear. No, it is NOT being careful, it is living in fear.

^^^x 2
What Jim said.
I do lock my bikes to RV, and I do take laptop with me.
Other than that, they can have at it.
Taking revenge on a thief will far worsen your life than theirs.
Keep a tidy camp site, which should be done anyway, is probably the best advice I can give.

jasin1 · 09-26-2021, 05:22 AM

I’ve been using these locks lately..didn’t pay this much for them..I bought a pack of two for around $40 a year or two ago

jasin1 · 09-26-2021, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumpy75

I use cables instead of chains. Bolt cutters can take out a chain fairly quickly, but will choke on cables. Most thieves don't carry a cable cutter...

I have two of these…they came with locks though..can’t rememeber what I paid for them…bought them about 10 years I guess, for my kids dirt bikes and four wheelers…they are heavy duty

Stumpy75 · 09-26-2021, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasin1

I have two of these…they came with locks though..can’t rememeber what I paid for them…bought them about 10 years I guess for my kids dirt bikes and four wheelers…they are heavy duty

They look like they would do the job!

precab · 09-30-2021, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumpy75

I use cables instead of chains. Bolt cutters can take out a chain fairly quickly, but will choke on cables. Most thieves don't carry a cable cutter...

Having to secure $7k mountain bikes, Pewag chains are actually harder than bolt cutters if you do some youtube research. Well worth it, granted if they have the time and no noise restrictions they can still angle iron grind away.

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/colle...Chain%20-%20MB

tanglemoose · 09-30-2021, 03:04 PM

Where did you find Locks? Easy to replace?

rlh1957 · 09-30-2021, 07:42 AM

With all the electronics & anti-thzeft gizmos we have now in the urban areas, how much has it helped?
Theft still occurs, break-in’s still are common & theft of belongings happens.
It’s expanding to previously calm areas like distant suburbs, state parks & campgrounds. Anywhere a collection of possible goods for theft is concentrated and suspected easy targets.

As we are seeing increased RV sales, camping and growth of campers with it comes more crime, more deviants intent on theft for profit.
It’s not necessarily that urban theft has followed the campers. Some of it is the “campers or followers” among us. So sad to be friendly to your neighbor while thinking they may be the eyes casing the camp for the rest of the gang.
If they camp there, they are on the inside and don’t need to steal and get away… just hide it in their rig till time to leave.

We are at a time when everything and everyone can be suspect.

In the end, all you can do is be aware, remove obvious temptations and use anti-theft measures that really just keep the regular folks honest. A criminal will not be deterred and all locks can be defeated.

Gunny Mike · 09-30-2021, 04:49 PM

We have three electric bikes that I worry about when we leave the campsite and at night. We wanted a trailer with a garage for them but didn't like loosing out on living space. Since lock weight isn't an issue with me I put on multiple premium locks on each bike. Have 4 bolt locks that include 2 Kryptonite locks, 2 bulldogs, and 2 foldy locks. I've been a victim too many times so I kind of go overboard. No lock can stand up to angle grinder, but im hoping all of my steel will outlast the battery on the grinder. Looking at adding a Kryptonite chain lock to my collection so I can lock them up to the trailer frame. Any suggestions for locking up 3400 watt generator to the rear bumper?

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