Trailer was broken in to...

[CLAYTON]

Got back from a nice relaxing time in the Caribbean to find that my 5th wheel was broken in to. They tried to break in to the door but the dead bolt was locked. They broke the handle lock however trying to get in. So they decided to go to the back passenger window and break in. They smashed the window up and frame, ripped down the day and night shades. I had the batteries disconnected so they couldn't open the slides. Because they couldn't open the slides they figured that to get in to the cabinets in the island they would kick in the back side of them. All I had in there was some plastic utensils and some plates. They then rummaged through everything throwing everything out of the cabinets everywhere and stealing my DVD player, 1m candle power flashlight and a little light that goes on your head. I figured they got about $60 worth of stuff and it's going to cost me about $600- 700 to fix. To top it all off they relieved them self in the tub Can you believe that?



So anyway. . question is what are you guys doing for security for your trailers?



Mine was behind and chain link fence with barbwire. I was thinking about putting some sort of alarm that had a shock and a motion detector inside. I called a place here in town (SLC UT,) and they said they could hook it up fairly easy. Also hook it up to the external lights to draw some attention or make the break in look more serious from the out side. The alarm will do no good if there is no one around to see or hear it but it might be enough to scare off the intruder. What do you think? Waste of money or go for it.

 

[nps]

Sorry to hear about your trailer. Dirtbags that have no appreciation for anybody else's property.



I keep my RV aboard Nellis Air Force Base. The RV lot is out in the middle of nowhere, next to the base police HQ (you have to drive past the HQ to get to the gate). The police K9 kennels back up to the spot where my trailer is parked. Access to the area is controlled by a key-card activated gate. Has been secure so far (knock on wood).

 

[cwsoules]

I moved it to a parking slab in my yard. When traveling and staying in a RV Park we lock it up and hope for the best.



Our thief forced a slideout window open, used the facilities, ate a snack, and then stole the VCR. He did not have a screw driver so he could not get the TV. He turned on the lights and left them on. The super alert security patrol did not see that the lights were on and the batteries were flat when I discovered the theft.

 

[TowPro]

years ago some punks tried to break into my parents camper. they broke the side window near the door and tried to open the door, but the screen door hatch was closed and they could not figure it out. I always close that hatch now.

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Someone tried to get into mine 2 years ago, thankfully the locks were enuf. One does not work so well now, but a small price to pay.

I have mine stord in a locked yard, but always worry that it is too isolated. .

 

[litespeed]

That really sucks!!



We have had our camper in some pretty rough areas. The one now is not the best and I am always thinking about the possibility of a break in.



For storage with the batteries disconnected threre really is not much you can do . Unless you store in a place that uses security cameras (with cameras along the fenceline).



One very good anti-theft device is the "screamer". It is a battery powered motion detector you can place just about anywhere. It emits a VERY loud sound that will literally scare the crap out of you (or the thieves) and draw attention to the area.



I have been putting off buying a couple. But, after reading this thread... . I'm going to go ahead and make the plunge.



Regards,





AJ

 

[TowPro]

While were on the subject, you know 98% of the cabinet door locks are the same key?

I think its 759. I have never had a camper that did not have that key. It fits everything except my Dads Gulfstreem which has those round key locks.



I plan to change all mine this summer.

 

[nps]

While were on the subject, you know 98% of the cabinet door locks are the same key?

I think its 759.

The number is 751. Already changed mine - 1st day I brought the trailer home. If the dirtbag thieves knew this they could just get a key instead of popping out the cylinders. Only applies to the storage and service doors - not the entry doors.

 

[CLAYTON]

Those locks on the out side didn't do me any good. They just twisted the nob and then popped the lock open with a screwdriver or something like that. It bent the metal frame that the lock secures too. I don't know what you could do to prevent that.

 

[nps]

I don't know what you could do to prevent that.

Get a Colt or a good S&W. It will work good in preventing that kind of damage if you can catch the dirtbags. :-laf

 

[cyborg]

I don't know what you could do to prevent that.

Neighborhood watch

 

[Boomer II]

Now that's a really nice neighborhood!!