Kim H
LIFE MEMBER
We've received this warning through another forum and thought it worth sharing.
"Just returned via Calais from a long European trip. While emptying and
tiding up van after the trip at home my wife commented that there appeared
to be wires or cables hanging down underneath van. Upon investigation I got
an awful shock as I may have been the unwilling accomplice to the
importation of an illegal immigrant!!!
Above the rear beam axle (Fiat Base) was a complex series of old string,
rope and electrical wire attached to the roll bar, beam axle and the straps
that hold the waste water tank to form a sort of nest. There were also
signs that it had been used, as areas of the roll bar and axle were very
shiny from foot or hand holds and the straps holding the waste water tank
to which parts of the contraption were attached, were bent.
Quite how or where it was done is a mystery. The only time we left the van
was for the booze shop at Auchan. It might have been done at the Aire
where we stopped overnight for the ferry in the morning but we were in the
van the whole time and heard nothing! The extensive and increased security
checks at Calais picked up nothing even though we had to open the toilet
and garage doors to let the French Army examine.
I didn't exactly hang about on the drive back either nor did I stop
anywhere from leaving the ferry - was someone still there or had they
already left or fallen out? Given the penalties drivers face for carrying
illegal immigrants its all a bit frightening.
I strongly recommend all members with Fiat based vans to check underneath
at the rear before turning up at the ferry or tunnel"
"Just returned via Calais from a long European trip. While emptying and
tiding up van after the trip at home my wife commented that there appeared
to be wires or cables hanging down underneath van. Upon investigation I got
an awful shock as I may have been the unwilling accomplice to the
importation of an illegal immigrant!!!
Above the rear beam axle (Fiat Base) was a complex series of old string,
rope and electrical wire attached to the roll bar, beam axle and the straps
that hold the waste water tank to form a sort of nest. There were also
signs that it had been used, as areas of the roll bar and axle were very
shiny from foot or hand holds and the straps holding the waste water tank
to which parts of the contraption were attached, were bent.
Quite how or where it was done is a mystery. The only time we left the van
was for the booze shop at Auchan. It might have been done at the Aire
where we stopped overnight for the ferry in the morning but we were in the
van the whole time and heard nothing! The extensive and increased security
checks at Calais picked up nothing even though we had to open the toilet
and garage doors to let the French Army examine.
I didn't exactly hang about on the drive back either nor did I stop
anywhere from leaving the ferry - was someone still there or had they
already left or fallen out? Given the penalties drivers face for carrying
illegal immigrants its all a bit frightening.
I strongly recommend all members with Fiat based vans to check underneath
at the rear before turning up at the ferry or tunnel"
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We challenged him and on seeing our motorhome fun stickers he replied...... no I was not trying to hide under your van..... and added.......... do you think I want to get gassed and lose my Rolex..... 