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