Decisions, decisions...

[ByronMH]

Morning funsters,

Looking for advice as I'm really not sure where to go with this. Our first van so still all new to it.

Our van has remis internal blinds fitted. I've just gone and bought a steering wheel lock - more as a deterrent than anything else. We intend to wild camp the majority of the time. My initial thoughts were to close all the blinds in the van when leaving it parked up, but then the thief wouldn't see any visible deterrent. I'd be interested to know what others do and if you think it's still worth keeping the steering wheel lock.

Cheers,

Abd'your-Rahman

 

[rosalan]

You could try adding a window sticker warning or leave a little gap, enough to see the deterrent.

 

[ByronMH]

Yes, I've got a couple of stickers for the CCTV and will get a couple more noting the alarm fitment. Leaving a small gap might be an idea.

 

[movan]

.... or it depends to what lengths you want to go. Lots of little things can help with security.

A small garden solar light left switched on at night near just a small gap in a blind so illumination shows through, may make them think someone is awake inside the van.

 

[ByronMH]

.... or it depends to what lengths you want to go. Lots of little things can help with security.

A small garden solar light left switched on at night near just a small gap in a blind so illumination shows through, may make them think someone is awake inside the van.

Love that suggestion, thanks!

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[Spriddler]

My gran used to leave her late husband's police helmet on a hook by the front door as a deterrent.

 

[Deneb]

My gran used to leave her late husband's police helmet on a hook by the front door as a deterrent.

Unfortunately for the last 20 years or so, that would now be an inducement to attract some criminals.

 

[Nanniemate]

A beware of the dog sticker - whether you have a dog or not

 

[Chipster]

How about an external flashing LED? or alarm with one.

 

[Larrynwin]

When leaving our van and in drive I have Disklok on and drivers side blind open a few inches so it’s visible.

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[busbuddy]

When camped...layby or site...the dosklok is fitted for my peace of mind and curtains drawn/exterior screen cover on
Dont ever give a thought to what a thief might think

 

[mikebeaches]

I'm not quite sure why folk choose to close blinds when stored. Surely some sunlight through the glass helps keep the van aired?

 

[Lenny HB]

I'm not quite sure why folk choose to close blinds when stored. Surely some sunlight through the glass helps keep the van aired?

Sunlight fades the upholstery.

 

[Larrynwin]

I'm not quite sure why folk choose to close blinds when stored. Surely some sunlight through the glass helps keep the van aired?

I keep all blinds closed except a little near the drivers window to prevent UV fading of interior .

 

[mikebeaches]

Sunlight fades the upholstery.

Yes, I kind of understand that might be a concern to some.

But during 11 years ownership of 3 vans; and 12 years ownership of two touring caravans, it's never proved an issue for us.

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[ByronMH]

Appreciate all the advice folks.

How about an external flashing LED? or alarm with one.

Yeh, I'm hoping to have a few flashing LEDs fit with a new alarm. I've decided on the Growler Strikeback system from VanBitz, so hopefully it'll all be enough to deter someone.

 

[pappajohn]

If you mean fitting it while wild camping I wouldn't.
You ideally need to be able to drive off at the drop of a hat if such as ferel kids appear and start causing problems, throwing stones or worse.
If you mean parked at home then stickers on door glass may help.

 

[Scotch mist]

We came across a MH in a French aire with a pir activated light above the hab door , every time we walked passed it it came on , very imposing , I don’t think the guy was even there as we never seen him in 3 days

 

[scousebird]

We use a steering wheel lock every time we park up

 

[movan]

When camped...layby or site...the dosklok is fitted for my peace of mind and curtains drawn/exterior screen cover on
Dont ever give a thought to what a thief might think

We use a steering wheel lock every time we park up

Please please please. remember that you may find yourself in a situation where you need to jump into the driving seat, open your screen curtain and drive off as fast as you can. I have had to do that a few times... very frightening.

It's no good saying oh but I don't stay in laybys,: the most frightening experience I had occurred when my satnav refused to find a site I was booked on in the countryside. It went dark and time marched on. I parked up for the night on what fitted all criteria for a safe overnight spot. It wasn't.

I also make sure I sleep in pj bottoms, sweater at the ready, with van keys so I can be in that driver's seat and off in seconds.

(Having said that, try not to worry too much as most of the bad experiences I have had are in busy laybys where I stop oin broad daylight to break my journey with a cup of tea.)

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