ExplorOz Team - David replied:

Robert,

It is a good question however remember that most people in outback towns are not the same as our city friends. Also most outback people rely on passing trade and as such incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism do not sit well with them. Bad words do spread and this will serverly impact on tourist dollars.

We have never had or even heard of anything too serious as far as this goes, but I must admit is is always a concern, when you think of the equipment that you have sitting in the vehicle. However, I think you are a lot worse off when parking the car in a major city to run into the shopping centre than you are in the outback areas.

Enjoy your trips and hikes, do not worry to much but take all precautions.

David

Member - Bob replied:

Robert, I agree with the above reply that it is generally safer in the bush than in the city. However, I have heard of driving lights being removed, sump plugs undone etc. Some towns have shocking reputations (eg Wilcannia). So I think it isn't possible to generalise. I'd make some local enquiries about particular trouble spots, and take reasonable steps to make your vehicle less attractive to opportunistic thieves (secure valuables in lockable compartment, hide attractive items - even loose change in an ashtray can motivate some people to smash your window).

Member - Melissa replied:

Hi Robert,

I agree with Davids comments...I believe the risks of theft or damage to car in the outback is far less than leaving it parked anywhere in the city. In 12 years of touring we've never experienced any problems but the same can't be said for malicious damage received in shopping centre carparks (twice now) and a car broken into parked in our driveway right under our bedroom window.

Having said all that, we believe in taking precautions such as making sure valuables left in the car or at camp are out of sight, spare wheels on carriers are locked, locks on jerry can holders, gas bottle holders etc, locking nuts on the wheels on our campertrailers etc. Nothing too extreme, just common sense. None of this will stop a determined thief but will hopefully deter the opportunistic thief.

We always close up our tent when leaving it and even used to put a little padlock through the zipper pulls where they met at the bottom. However, we came to conclusion that if someone wanted to get into the tent they would simply cut or rip it and therefore just make our losses all the more greater, so we gave up on this practise.

Only other advise I can give is to make sure you have adequate insurance. Make sure your vehicle insurance gives you some cover for contents stolen from the vehicle (most standard policies don't or it is very limited). Also, consider obtaining "special valuables" insurance for items like camera's, laptops, fridges etc. Our campertrailer insurance gives us contents cover to the value of $1000 which is a help but doesn't give us full cover on its own.

I still believe the risk of theft or malicious damage in the outback is minimal, but adequate insurance and taking a few simple precautions should give you some peace of mind.

Hope this helps.

:o) Melissa

Member - Mike replied:

Agreeing with what has been said so far - two points - 1 serious 1 frivolous!!
Living in the country as we do, we can always spot a "townie" - they lock their car!
Now being serious - I recommend as an additional precaution TCIS Insurance which is now available to all 4WD Club members. Insure and trake precautions already outlined and life should be kind to you.
regards
Mike

OziExplorer replied:

This is a major problem and today you are lucky if you car has not been broken into when you get back. Just ask how severe a problem this is on the newsgroup:
aus.bushwalking
Many have old bombs they drive to the places and leave open so they don't break into them. However they still steal the batteries and break windows and things like that. One guy even has welded the battery in after having it stolen twice.

Truckster replied:

I'll get flammed for this, but I did the Wynns Safari yrs ago, and our car was broken into 2 times in the 3 weeks we were away (there and back)...

The cops caught who did it, but to our amazement LET THEM GO! The reason as told to me by the cop, their colour, and the fact that nothing ever happened to them when they were caught by the court..

As lots have said, your normally safe, but depends what you have in plain view that they can grab and run with..

CJ replied:

The worst areas seem to be near populated areas in southern Aus - Jarvis Bay near Nowra has signs advising not to leave cars unattended! In Tasie a friend spoke to a couple who had everything stolen from there car while looking at the sights! Bushwalkers in the Canberra region frequently have their cars broken into. What can you do ? If you are on holidays, nothing really!

Member - Peter replied:

HI I live in a small country town (York )W.A you can walk our streets at any time and see cars left unlocked with the keys still in them ,I have been here 8 years and have never heard of a car being taken yet, I wish all towns were as safe as ours .When I stop in unknown towns I try to park in a very visual spot ( the local police carpark works well for me to ).Travel safe Peter.

Member - Mal replied:

My two experiences so far have been useless acts of dangerous vandalism: Had rear passenger wheel nuts loosened (the wheel the driver is least likely to see) and the safety pin securing the main pin in the tow hitch removed. The cops said it wasn't uncommon, had a fair idea who it was doing it, but could do nothing about it. Whose being discriminated against ??? Mal T.

Member - Mal replied:

Robert,
The great thing about this forum is that we all learn from other peoples experiences. Don't let what has preceeded stop you from doing ANYTHING. Just be aware and take normal precautions. The two incidences that I had are all that has happened in 120,000 Km of travel over 20 years. I had worse than that happen to me in America in three weeks. I would have no hesitation in leaving my vehicle in a car park for a day or overnight. Just check it before you drive away. My experiences happened in a caravan park while I was sleeping two metres away. It could also happen in my driveway or at the local shops. Have a look at the local population and ask for advice and then make your decisions.

Travel safely,


Mal T.

ROBERT replied:

THANKS MEL I WONT LET THESE PROBLEMS STOP ME FROM DOING
WHAT I ENJOY JUST NEED TO KEEP MY EYES OPEN TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND THIS GREAT COUNTRY JUST NEED TO FIND A
FAIR INSURANCE COMPANY IF THEIR IS SUCH A THING ONCE AGAIN
THANKS FOR EVERY ONES ADVICE
ROBERT