| For one minute, try to think the way a criminal would | | | | problems too. You should always park in a well lit |
| think. If you were at a rest stop looking for your | | | | area and the entry door of the RV should be facing |
| next target or victim, what would you look for? Let's | | | | where most of the activity is. A thief prefers to |
| pretend for a moment that you were going to target | | | | work where it is dark and where it is least likely to |
| a vehicle. Which would be more appealing, a car | | | | draw any attention. Close your curtains or blinds so |
| whose owner stopped for a quick bathroom break | | | | it's not possible for someone to look inside. Don't |
| or an expensive looking Class A motor home, whose | | | | open the door for anybody unless you know who it |
| owners are out walking their dogs? I don't have the | | | | is. If it's a security guard ask for identification before |
| mind of a criminal but this is an easy choice. That | | | | you open the door. |
| expensive looking RV probably has expensive | | | | As much as we would like to believe that |
| contents inside like, jewelry, cameras, and a laptop | | | | campgrounds are 100% safe and secure don't let |
| computer. | | | | your guard down. You don't need to be paranoid, |
| Okay, we have come to the conclusion that we, the | | | | just use some common sense. Don't leave expensive |
| RVers, are the prime target for the criminal mind, so | | | | equipment lying around unsecured. Vehicle tow bars, |
| what can we do to protect ourselves? That's what | | | | hitches, bicycles and other items need to be under |
| this RV security checklist is for. To give you some | | | | lock and key. |
| ideas on how to protect yourself and you're personal | | | | Keep any valuables inside the RV secured and out of |
| belongings when you're traveling in your RV. | | | | sight. It's a good idea to purchase a small fire proof |
| Don't stay overnight at a rest stop. Rest stops | | | | safe to store valuables and important paperwork in. |
| attract criminals. If you stop at a rest stop it should | | | | The safe might protect your valuables from the |
| only be for a short break and then back on the road. | | | | hazards of a fire but it will still need to be stored in a |
| Lock the RV and take turns using the facilities, | | | | secure, out of the way place, inside the RV. |
| always leaving someone in or close to the RV. | | | | Always lock the RV when you're not physically at the |
| Always be on the look out for anything or anyone | | | | campsite. Do not store valuable equipment in outside |
| that looks suspicious. Keep your cell phone handy in | | | | storage compartments. Believe it or not, a vast |
| case you need it and don't open the door for | | | | majority of RV's use the same exact key as yours |
| anybody, unless you know who it is. | | | | for outside storage compartments. If you store |
| Rest stops aren't the only place you need to be | | | | valuables, like golf clubs, fishing gear or tools in the |
| concerned about. Every time you stop to refuel | | | | outside compartments you may want to have the |
| there are certain precautions you need to take. It's | | | | locks changed. |
| easy to be vulnerable to a thief at a gas station or a | | | | Before you leave on a trip make sure your |
| truck stop. I have a bad habit of leaving my wallet on | | | | Emergency Roadside Service Plan is current. In the |
| the console of our Class C motor home. The door | | | | unfortunate event that you breakdown on the road |
| isn't locked and your spouse is taking advantage of | | | | try to pull off in as safe a place as possible and call |
| the time to walk the dogs. This is how quick it can | | | | for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help |
| happen. Get in the habit of locking the doors | | | | arrives. |
| whenever you or someone else is not physically in | | | | It's unfortunate that we live in a day and age where |
| the RV. | | | | we need to take these added measures to protect |
| Most robberies occur at night and most travel related | | | | ourselves. I don't want you to feel like everybody |
| robberies occur at rest stops, gas stations, | | | | you meet during your travels is a thief or has bad |
| convenience stores and ATM machines. Try to | | | | intentions. Just use common sense and be aware of |
| schedule most of your stops during daylight hours, | | | | what is going on around you. |
| and whenever you stop be aware of your | | | | Plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV |
| surroundings. If something doesn't look right leave. | | | | experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun! |
| Wal-Mart or other parking lots where you might stop | | | | Happy Camping! |
| to get a few hours of sleep can present security | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |