There is unfortunately some real risk to property when you leave your RV unattended. Here again planning can greatly reduce your risks. First of all -- Don't Advertise --. personal and property loss happens when a perpetrator has knowledge and opportunity. Knowledge comes from someone overhearing you talk in checkout lines, at telephones, in service stations, etc. Don't give anyone knowlege about yourself or your possessions unless there is a genuine "need to know". Don't leave money or valuables, especially those that are not replaceable, in your RV.

In a recent theft, the RV's window was broken to gain entry. When the owners returned they found the microwave, TV, VCR, cameras, etc. gone, as well as all their clothing. Thieves know that many of us stash cash in a pocket of something hung in the closet. So they just took all the clothes, later discarding most of them, just to look for cash at their leisure. They also know that favorite places to hide cash, are taped to drawer bottoms, behind the drivers seat, in a front compartment, under the couch or bed, under the sink, etc. It's best to just not carry cash. Use a cash card periodically instead. Crooks don't like light and sound or anything that will draw attention to their activities. Most hardware stores have motion sensing flood lights for under $30. It doesn't take much to use the 110 AC power we have available in most camping situations to power a temporary attachment for such a flood light; and I'm confident that in many boondock situations this lighting system would deter some bad guys.

Storage compartments are vulnerable and we must all realize that there are just a few master keys that open almost every RV storage bay lock used today. Just ask you RV repairman and you'll be surprised to know that, each mechanic carries a few keys that will open almost every brand and type of storage bay. In Southern California, a favorite target of thieves is the auxilliary generator while the RV is parked at an all day amusment facility parking lot. They come into the parking lot with a van, paying like all of us do , and then find the easiest generators to remove. Generators bring a good price in Mexico, and can be removed from most rigs in a matter of minutes. They weigh about 300 lbs., so it is possible with a portable transmission jake to load one into the thieves' van in a matter of a few minutes.

Mall parking lots are another favorite place for burglaries to take place. You will be in the store for 20 minutes or more -- and that's plenty of time for them to break in and steal TV's, etc. In most mall parking lots, we tend to park away from traffic, so as to be out of the way. That's just the place the thief wants us to park.

Storing the RV, even on our own lot, makes it vulnerable to possible break-ins. If the RV is stored behind the barn, or in a similar place, it gives a thief a chance to case the situation and pick an opportune time to break in. RV security alarm systems are very helpful in this and many other situations. Even a label in the window stating that this RV has an alarm system helps. A flashing red light provides additional deterrence. A full alarm system provides a siren and flashing light when a break in is attempted. If a perpertrator thinks that your coach has an alarm system, he probably will move on to another less risky prospect.

Many RVers choose to travel with a gun in the rig. Doing so puts you at risk of breaking the law in some states, Mexico and Canada. An unloaded hand gun stored in a drawer in the RV with the ammunition, is against the law in California. A concealed weapons permit from one state is not valid in other states. So here are some thoughts about Guns in R's: First of all, if you are going to carry one make sure you know how to use it, and are prepared to use it if you have to. I prefer a shot gun over a hand gun since its a lot easier to hit the target in a defensive situation. The sound of chambering a shell in a pump shot gun is more effective than the sound of cocking a revolver, or chambering a bullet in an automatic hand gun. Check out the laws of every state or country that you plan to travel though before taking the gun, whatever type it is.

Many people like a noisy or trained security dog as a traveling companion. And they do provide some measure of protection. Pets become vulnerable to fire when left unattended, as well as other health risks like overheating. Most seasoned thieves know how to handle animals, and pets have proved to have limited effectiveness. How often have you heard of a pet being a "real" guard dog. True guard dogs have to be trained to be mean, and then kept separate from people to be effective guard dogs. That real Junk Yard Dog is not friendly to anyone and is certainly not someone's pet!

Protecting your person and property outside your RV requires some planning too. Whistles, personal alarms, pepper spray, flashlights and other devices if carried properly, and if you are knowledgeable about their use, are all good things to consider. Self-defense training is also very good. Learn how to get out of a choke hold, or away from someone holding your wrist. Learn where to hit your attacker effectively if you choose to defend yourself physically. Learn how to avoid or de-fuse situations altogether. Local police and community colleges regularly teach these skills. Practice standing in a defensive posture and yelling "NO" as a method of avoiding contact. Learn how to walk away from corners and doorways and how to carry yourself with confidence. Study your map inside a building instead of on the sidewalk. Wear comfortable shoes that you can help you move fast. Watch consumption of alcohol. Use steel lined fanny packs in front of you or a money belt or similar device to keep valuables. Don't keep blank checks with IDs that contains your signature. Carry a fake wallet that you can readily give the mugger.

I hope these ideas will help you thing about safety without giving up the freedom of the road that we all enjoy. If you just ìthinkî while you are enjoying, you will be doing it for a long time!

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