Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 10:23
I usually keep quiet about my former profession on this
forum, but for 36 years I was copper in N.S.W. and not in one place either.
Firstly, I'm dead against traveller's carrying firearms. They will get you into more strife, even if you and the weapon is legal, than you can possibly imagine. Even if you do shoot someone who is up to mischief around your
camp it doesn't stop there. You will be greeted by some usually very polite
young men or women who will take a keen interest in what you say, and they'll be accompanied by some people who closely resemble C.I.S. TV show operatives, the only difference with them is that they don't solve the incident in 35 minutes, commercials excluded, they'll be there for hours & hours. Then there the is a coronial inquiry, and quite possible a trail. So is it worth it? Taking another persons life is looked at very closely, and seldom do people get away with it.
A dog is a good idea, and I travel with two of 'em, but dogs have their problems also. You can't go into national parks with them, there are still caravan parks that won't allow them, and then there's the frequent stopping for them to go wee wee's etc..... I won't admit this, but my two are all
bluff, and though they'll bark, I reckon that they would open the van up and assist the thief carrying my possession out the door. But people who are usually up to no good around a
camp site are thieves of opportunity, that is move in quickly, knock off whatever they can, and get the hell away just as quick. So a couple of dogs tied up near the van can act as a very good deterrent. But don't let them run loose, clean up their 'do dars', and keep them under your control, not theirs.
Don't believe for one minute that caravan parks are secure either. How many people here have ever been challenged by park proprietors or staff when they walk in the
gate, after being up the town? I don't see too many hands up in the air. So, when you go for a tub or go to the loo, leave someone at the site. Place your possessions
well away, out of view in a place that's difficult to access, and that includes mum's jewellery, because they do need it travelling, as you never know, they might meet the Queen. So think security, and spread the cash around, don't have mummy holding all the readies in the 'big' handbag, because it's usually the first thing that's grabbed. Lock you wallet up in the vehicle's glove compartment, and lock the bloody vehicle.
When I'm travelling and I
bush camp wherever I can, I NEVER stay within 15 km of an 'Aboriginal Town', and that's right across Oz. I always park so that the van's door cannot be blocked, as I've heard of instances where a vehicle will be parked across the van's door, thereby preventing egress, and the towing vehicle is broken into, and meanwhile you are powerless to prevent the theft.
If you do have an instance where something occurs don't stuff about looking for the number of the nearest cop
shop. Dial 000 if you are in mobile range, let them work out where your help will come from. That's what they get the big bucks for, and don't concern yourself about the magnitude of the problem. Little things can quickly develop into big things.
One think that be used as a pretty good defensive item is your fire extinguisher, and every van should have one ready to
rock' n' roll anyway. A face full of white powder will do wonders, and there's few after effects.
But I believe the best advice I can give anyone is this, don't compromise yourself, try not to
camp alone, and if you are not happy with the place you have selected, find another.
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Follow Up By: Wayne David - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 11:14
Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 11:14
Good on you Richard H for blowing your cover for a good cause. Some good advice there.
Thanks for clarification on the fire extinguisher too "One think that be used as a pretty good defensive item is your fire extinguisher, and every van should have one ready to
rock' n' roll anyway. A face full of white powder will do wonders, and there's few after effects."
To be honest up to that point I thought it was being suggested as something to hit people with. But I get it now.
Cheers - Wayne
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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 11:30
Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 11:30
What a sensible post, thank you Richard.
My only difference of opinion with you is that i feel far safe camped alone - and generally nobody knows you are there. We have only felt cautious if staying in a caravan in larger towns. Prowlers won't come scouring the bush looking for the odd camper - easier pickings in large groups. People driving by who just may notice a caravan tucked away in the bush if you are that visible are going about their business and won't stop or care. The more remote, the safer you are.
Mh
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