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Burglary prevention

Yahoo Message Number: 18094
In light of the recent emails about burglaries, I thought I would mention a couple of prevenative measures that could help to discourage would be burglars who may decide to move on to another coach.
Nothing is fool-proof, but you will not be such an easy target to the thieves.

If possible, cut dowel rods to fit in your window tracks so they cannot be opened without breaking the windows.

At night and when you leave always put your steps in.
Keep privacy shades down and curtains closed when possible so no one can see in your coach to see if you are occupied. I leave the radio or TV on as well-- not loud, but enough to make it sound like there might be conversations or someone inside.

If you are being watched, although it might sound silly, as you are leaving putting on the act of talking to "someone remaining in the coach" as if to say "good bye for now" can cause them to be doubtful about someone remaining in your coach.

Put a "Beware of dog" sign in your coach window- even if you don't have a dog.

Another sign that a former policeman giving safety seminar at an RV rally gave was something like " Please do not disturb, day sleeper."
The point is anything that raises doubts that you are an easy target works to discourage burglars to move along to another coach.

Alarm systems don't work if you don't turn them on.

In home alarm systems, there are glass break detectors you can have installed that listen for a frequency of sound and set off an alarm if windows are broken. I am sure they could be adapted to a motorhome.
There are also the air pressure sensitive alarms in case someone opens or breaks a window and the air pressure changes.

If someone is particularly concerned, these might be good things to look into.

It is always good personal security to be aware of your surroundings, a healthy suspicion of strangers is worthwhile in campgrounds, parking lots, grocery stores etc. Awareness can become second nature.

The problem is that most of these people are professionals and if they find a momentary kink in your armor, no matter how brief, you will be victimized. All it takes is one mistake, at the right time and the right place-- as I found out when my wallet was lifted in a restaurant in Austin, TX by professionals. I had recently removed everything from my wallet that had my social security number on it.

Program your cell phone with your bank and credit card companies to call immediately- even before calling the the police. Thieves waste no time going to a Home Depot or Lowe's and charging big ticket items as fast as they can get there...before selling your info. Then get in touch with a credit reporting company(Equifax, Transunion etc...) to report this problem and follow their recommended procedures.

Also, something I learned living in earthquake prone areas, detach yourself emotionally from the "things" you own. The most important things in life cannot be bought... your health, your safety and your loved ones... if you lose things, they can be replaced.
I would personally appreciate any other ideas or suggestions someone might be willing to share about security in their motorhomes or on the road... PLease share!!!

The odds are if you have not been a victim, you will be. So be safe! "It's a jungle out there!"

Magnamama

2000 Magna #5798