Every year more and more people are hitting the road for some freedom, adventure and a little relaxation. Unfortunately, every year insurance claims, assaults, and missing persons are also rising in direct relation to more mobile homes and campers on the roads.There is no need to decide against travel because life is full of risks, but what we can do to ensure we have a safer and more enjoyable experience is to make security basics a habit. Do you know what the biggest crimes are on the road?The biggest one: Site theft from parks/truck stops - unlocked doors windows, gear left unattended, clothes on the line, cars left unlocked.
Who does these crimes? Opportunists, children, youth, people who manage to walk through parks unattended, and other park users who make it a small business to steal from inside the facility without being detected.How do we stop this form of crime? This is achieved by not taking security for granted and saying oh that just happens to other people Yes, it does and most likely that will be you. We need to lock up, think about what we have left lying around, and think about what we have inside the vehicles. Do we have expensive and easy to transport gear in front of windows? Money or wallets/handbags on view? Gear on the top on the vans? Alternatively, gear loosely secured to the outside of our vans? Yes, we all do in some form.A good practice is to clearly mark all items with an engraver tool and have a sticker on your window stating that all gear has been marked for police identification. Do we have expensive and easy to transport gear in front of windows? Money or wallets/handbags on view? Gear on the top on the vans? Alternatively, gear loosely secured to the outside of our vans? Yes, we all do in some form.A good practice is to clearly mark all items with an engraver tool and have a sticker on your window stating that all gear has been marked for police identification.
Do not have photos of yourself in easy viewing range of the windows. This can enable thieves to identify you and make theft even easier.Another security theft issue is vehicle or van theft. Many people leave their keys in the vehicles and leave it unattended. These vehicles can go missing in an instant and in many cases not be seen again. Amazing isnt it? However it does happen. What would your insurance company say when you explain that situation?The worst security issue is car-jacking or kidnapping. This may seem rare but it does happen, but you can prevent it happening to you.There are many lonely roads and lonely van sites. There are many hitch-hikers and people asking for help along the way. There are many stops along the way were you need fuel and food. The key is to always be aware of your surroundings and where you are. Look at the people which you are stopping next to, their dress and body language - learn to look and read people. Then use your instinct to help guide you.This is one scenario that may save your life. You are driving and see someone lying face down on a quiet road in front of you. (You are legally obliged to at least call the Police) You stop, get out and render assistance. This is very nice of you but it can also put you at great risk.Instead, why not practice these steps:- Stop 15 meters away but leave the engine running, concurrently if you have a mobile signal call the Police to report the incident.
- Lock all doors and windows, place your hazard lights on.
- Sound your horn.
- If no response, wait until more vehicles arrive (be a little cautious of these as well) In addition, wait until the authorities arrive.Leaving your vehicle to assist is your choice, only you can make that call at that time, location and situation. If you do, be extremely careful and be very aware of your surroundings. You need to think: Could this person have a gun or weapon? Could they have accomplices close by? Are there clear signs of blood, trauma? Are there skid marks, another vehicle? Assess your surroundings first, think safety first before you act.. Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Seniors-Security-Mobile-Home-and-Caravan-Travel&id=3671823
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