Campsite security
I'm not sure where to post this question but since I have a TT I'll start here. Been using the trailer for about 5 years and other than a couple of things stolen while in the storage yard, our camping experience has been quite crime free.
That changed this year when a few items were pilfered overnight from our county-run campsite in Victorville, CA. This is a rural desert area, but a nice place in the winter when we go. There are no rangers, etc. at the campground overnight. There is now a transient population that is nearby, and they "raided" several sites near the border of the campground, stealing things like lanterns, coolers, and propane canisters. Mostly stuff homeless people would use. They made their way in through a cut in a barbed wire fence, as well as going under it. The county repaired the fence the next day (pretty good service) but each night the thieves hit someone.
My question is kind of broad, but what do you do as far as securing your camp overnight? We don't necessarily want to put everything away every night, but obviously things like lanterns and propane canisters we can (from now on) put in the tow vehicle or trailer. I am a little more concerned about people rummaging through my site when my son (age 11) and I are asleep inside with no rangers around to provide any security. We could leave some lights on all night (neighbors are far enough away that they would not be disturbed) or do lights just make it easier for thieves to steal your stuff? I have heard about motion sensor perimeter alarms and/or lights which would go off if someone comes through, but then what? Go out there and confront them? Maybe not the best plan. Maybe surveillance cameras if such a thing exists for camping? I bummed that I even have to worry about this, but maybe someone has some helpful insight.
Thanks,
Andre
That changed this year when a few items were pilfered overnight from our county-run campsite in Victorville, CA. This is a rural desert area, but a nice place in the winter when we go. There are no rangers, etc. at the campground overnight. There is now a transient population that is nearby, and they "raided" several sites near the border of the campground, stealing things like lanterns, coolers, and propane canisters. Mostly stuff homeless people would use. They made their way in through a cut in a barbed wire fence, as well as going under it. The county repaired the fence the next day (pretty good service) but each night the thieves hit someone.
My question is kind of broad, but what do you do as far as securing your camp overnight? We don't necessarily want to put everything away every night, but obviously things like lanterns and propane canisters we can (from now on) put in the tow vehicle or trailer. I am a little more concerned about people rummaging through my site when my son (age 11) and I are asleep inside with no rangers around to provide any security. We could leave some lights on all night (neighbors are far enough away that they would not be disturbed) or do lights just make it easier for thieves to steal your stuff? I have heard about motion sensor perimeter alarms and/or lights which would go off if someone comes through, but then what? Go out there and confront them? Maybe not the best plan. Maybe surveillance cameras if such a thing exists for camping? I bummed that I even have to worry about this, but maybe someone has some helpful insight.
Thanks,
Andre
