More and more frequently, especially when the holiday season arrives, we read news about robberies inside motorhomes to take valuables or even steal the vehicle itself. Today we give you some tips to increase safety and protect your motorhome, as far as possible, of the friends of others.
Common sense to find places to spend the night
It seems obvious, but applying common sense is sometimes the best advice we can apply. What does this mean? Well, what should we avoid those places where our instincts warn us that they may not be a good idea: conflictive neighborhoods of large cities, motorway rest areas, too lonely parking lots where the "bad guys" can work freely without anyone noticing, etc.
We place special emphasis on the highway areas because many people may think that they are a good solution to rest for a few hours and continue on a long trip, and yet, it is about places that offer a quick exit to thieves once the robbery is armed, in addition to being noisy places where crime can go more unnoticed. Taking the first exit and trying to reach a small town where we can spend the night in one of its streets is a much better decision.
In summer, we will lend a lot Attention to parking lots in beach areas, since they become a great attraction for thieves, aware that we do not usually go down to bathe with valuables and, therefore, that there is a good chance that they are inside the vehicle. That is where we will have to take extreme precautions.
Sometimes it is preferable to pay some money for a guarded parking lot, a campervan overnight area, or even a campsite if we cannot find a place that offers us confidence. And it never hurts make contact with our motorhome neighbors! Talking to them when we are going away is a good way that, if they hear any noise, they can check if it is a thief. Today for you, tomorrow for me!
Objects out of sight
Just like in cars, leaving valuables in plain sight when we leave the motorhome is a great lure for thieves. The ideal is to take mobile phones, tablets or computers with us when we are not in the vehicle or assign a slightly more remote corner to hide them inside the vehicle.
Also, it is appropriate do not flaunt the objects that we carry inside the garage or inside the vehicle in unattended places if we are going to be away. Many criminals are on the lookout for access to vehicles where they know they can find valuables.
And of course… Be careful if we take bicycles! If our garage is large, it is best to put them inside so that they are not in sight. If this is not the case and we must leave them on the bike rack, a good lock and a robust anchor to it are essential to protect them, especially if they are electric models, which are much more coveted.
elements of persuasion
Before leaving the vehicle, we must check that all doors and windows are properly closed, since any loophole can become an opportunity for thieves. They will always attack from the most vulnerable side, so we will try to park with that part in sight, to make it more difficult for them. Another good tip is to park away from hedges or trees that could be a good hiding place for them.
Also, if the vehicle is owned by us, it may be advisable to install elements of persuasionsuch as alarms and security locks. There is no infallible accessory, but they will always be useful to hinder theft and give time for someone to see it and notify the authorities.
Documentation and keys, always with us
La Vehicle documentation and the second set of keys must always go with us because, if despite all the measures adopted, we have the bad luck that thieves manage to get inside the vehicle, the goal should be that they do not easily take the vehicle, and even less with all the documentation in order that facilitates its sale later in other markets.
Following all these tips can make theft a little more difficult and we can focus on what is most important… continue enjoying our getaway or vacation!
