Warning La Marina Theft

[n brown]

we managed to not get robbed ever during years of travelling , never stayed on sites or aires, but we were just generally aware. aware of the absolute fact that there are hyenas out there looking for a moment of inattention, a bit of carelessness, a bit of complacency, and they'll strike- that's what they do, nothing personal.
our job is to just not forget they're out there, park near other campers, park under lights at nights, draw the blinds so they can't be sure it's empty, accept the fact you might be robbed and keep your real valuables on your person- passport,licence, v5, cards etc.
no need to feel paranoid and frightened,just change your habits and don't get upset if you do get turned over

 

[carol]

As I'm planning a trip to Spain this thread is making me slightly nervous. My van isn't alarmed. Do people think it makes much difference? Is it worth getting one installed?

 

[n brown]

no idea Carol, some say alarms may give a false sense of security, i never had one,but in my case, using my loaf and having a tatty van seemed to work !

 

[maingate]

no idea Carol, some say alarms may give a false sense of security, i never had one,but in my case, using my loaf and having a tatty van seemed to work !

You never got robbed because you looked like the Addams Family. :lol-049:

 

[carol]

You never got robbed because you looked like the Addams Family. :lol-049:

That's a bit rude!

 

[n brown]

That's a bit rude!

ooh ,he's a cheeky monkey !

 

[alcam]

As I'm planning a trip to Spain this thread is making me slightly nervous. My van isn't alarmed. Do people think it makes much difference? Is it worth getting one installed?

Not sure why people think they are more likely to get robbed in France/Spain than at home ?
The OP thinks it's necessary to guard the van when stopping at supermarkets , would he do that in Britain ?
Most of us leave our homes empty when we travel is that not a bigger risk ?
Go to Spain and enjoy yourself . I'm a solo traveller ,if I'm not comfortable I move on . Funnily enough that has only happened in England .

 

[phillybarbour]

Sorry to hear your news on the theft, glad not much gone for you.

 

[jacquigem]

Reminds me of the time we got bungled over in Bermeo up in the Basque area in 2009. Did you get a Police report ? Reason I ask is, they didn't want to give us one as then it becomes a proper crime they have to record, and looks bad for them and tourism on their figures. If they won't give you a report it could be a sign it's not been officially recorded, which it needs to be.

Glad yur ok.

Chrz Mul.

Thanks Chrz , yes we did get a police report. Interestingly the local police in La Marina didnt want to know and sent me to the Guardia Civil in Guadamar who were very helpful. They didnt really want to investigate being lukewarm on my suggestion that they check cctv which appeared to cover my van and not taking a clear fingerprint i pointed out . They did speak english and gave me the report which I may need if i go the insurance route. Thinking of carrying out my own surveillance down there next Saturday !

 

[jacquigem]

After reading this post I decided to google alarms for motorhome, more headaches for a newbie,which one do you use and why?. Sorry to the op, hope you are ok.
Mickey.

Thanks Mickey , mine came with van , will try and look up paperwork but others probably more qualified than me to advise although mine appears to have worked well

 

[jacquigem]

As I'm planning a trip to Spain this thread is making me slightly nervous. My van isn't alarmed. Do people think it makes much difference? Is it worth getting one installed?

Please dont let our experience put you off. This is our 3rd year in Spain and the first trouble. I am convinced the alarm scared them off and stopped them looking further than the first bag to grab . We had camera ,lap top and sat nav in separate lockers that were not touched presumably due to lack of time and fear of being discovered. Passports and other valuables either in our safe (strongly recommended) or on our persons. There is some good advice on hear and glad i posted. keep travelling .

 

[jacquigem]

Not sure why people think they are more likely to get robbed in France/Spain than at home ?
The OP thinks it's necessary to guard the van when stopping at supermarkets , would he do that in Britain ?
Most of us leave our homes empty when we travel is that not a bigger risk ?
Go to Spain and enjoy yourself . I'm a solo traveller ,if I'm not comfortable I move on . Funnily enough that has only happened in England .

I didnt use to but am now thinking of doing it, after all I dont enjoy the shopping and am only there o carry.

 

[Channa]

One little tip.
When we leave our van, we usually leave a pair of shoes on the step, thinking that anybody having a quick look may think we are inside, having a kip!

I have read of people doing the same with dog bowls too.

Channa

 

[wints]

One little tip.
When we leave our van, we usually leave a pair of shoes on the step, thinking that anybody having a quick look may think we are inside, having a kip!

Sometimes leave a portable radio on if parked on an aire and we're off down the beach or scooting to somewhere, and we've got rotweiller pics in the window, and leave a dog bowl with lead outside.

regards
Allen

 

[carol]

One little tip.
When we leave our van, we usually leave a pair of shoes on the step, thinking that anybody having a quick look may think we are inside, having a kip!

I'm surprised your shoes don't get nicked!

 

[alcam]

I didnt use to but am now thinking of doing it, after all I dont enjoy the shopping and am only there o carry.

Just wonder the stats re van thefts home and abroad . Only case I know of personally occurred in a decent area in Edinburgh

 

[Deleted member 9849]

As I'm planning a trip to Spain this thread is making me slightly nervous. My van isn't alarmed. Do people think it makes much difference? Is it worth getting one installed?

Yes and yes.The OP is convinced that the alarm scared the thieves away,they missed the more expensive items.When an alarm goes off in a busy place like a supermarket car park it is much more effective and disconcerting for the robbers so I think it does make a difference and is worth getting one installed.

 

[n brown]

One little tip.
When we leave our van, we usually leave a pair of shoes on the step, thinking that anybody having a quick look may think we are inside, having a kip!

when i said we've never been robbed, i meant broken in to. once left a pair of toddler's shoes on the step as they were covered in dog poo. somebody nicked them which saved us having to deal with them. ta, thieving twat !

 

[mikigough]

Hi Mike
Strickback by Vanbitz has been known to be the best for quite a few years, not cheap. but is Thatcham 2 - 1

Here is a link
Motorhome Security - Vanbitz

Here is a link on this website, I have not read
http://www.wildcamping.co.uk/forums...alarm-do-you-have-strikeback-worth-money.html

More info
http://www.vanbitz.com/wp-content/uploads/FACTS-EURO.pdf

Thanks for the info Graham, I checked out the vanbitz strike back, sure is expensive, but like someone on the forum said, 50 odd k for a new motorhome, may as well spend an extra grand trying to keep it safe.
Mickey.

 

[The Nomad]

You';re MUCH safer in Spain than in the UK.

Crime rates are much lower. thefts are much fewer, crimes of violence are much fewer. Basically if you make it to the Channel without being robbed, mugged road-rage attacked or stabbed, you're home and dry until you land back at Blighty again.