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