While there has recently been a lot of publicity around crime in regional Australia, it can still feel like a distant issue to some grey nomads … until they become the victims!
Andrew Edgley, 82, and travelling companion Dale, 76, were staying in the Rockhampton area in Central Queensland when a thief snuck into their unlocked van in the middle of the night.
In retrospect, it was probably a good thing that the intruder was so stealthy that he didn’t wake up the sleeping travellers.
Several weeks since the incident at a popular van park, Andrew and Dale say they are still ‘disturbed’ by what happened … but insist it won’t keep them from enjoying life on the road.
Andrew and Dale later ‘re-enacted’ the crime scene. Dale is pictured (left) next to the drawer that the thief left open.
“We thought, of course, that with us in the van, we were secure enough … wrong!” said Andrew. “The take home message: Lock your van at all times, including when you are asleep; and do not leave keys or cash anywhere obvious.”
He remains amazed at just how cool and quiet the thief was.
Andrew is pictured (above) next to the pants that the intruder snatched. The bag that was also taken can be seen above his head.
“A phone was picked up from the charger on top of the fridge, and a second phone was picked up from the charger next to my sleeping head,” said Andrew. “The pants on the seat next to my head were removed, the computer bag above the bed was also removed, then the drawer between the beds was opened and checked, and several cupboards near the sink were opened.”
And all the time, Andrew and Dale stayed fast alseep. The pair consider themselves relatively lucky though.
The intruder escaped with the two smart phones, but – as soon as he got out of the van – he discarded the wallet which didn’t have any cash in it, the pants, and the empty computer bag. There were two computers in the van but they had been hidden away so were not stolen.
However, the thief did use the keys he had found in the van to open and ransack the pair’s car, and steal about $150 cash.
After changing the lock on their car, going through the hassle of replacing their phones, and having learned a few lessons about security, Andrew and Dale say they are undeterred and are continuing their adventures in their a Jayco Journey 17.5 Outback.
“We have made no changes to our plans,” said Andrew. “We have four scheduled van events this year … two with family, one with friends, and one two month-travel alone.”
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I am in awe of the caravan’s suspension – I know many seniors are hard of hearing, but it seems to me that whenever someone enters the van there is a distinct lurch, similar to stepping into a boat on a pond.
Seriously one should always take precautions such as locking doors and windows, stow away all portable appliances around exterior of van and never leave cash and valuables out in open.
A small cash box can be purchased very affordably, which can be screwed (from inside) into caravan frame inside a cabinet, this will afford the protection of a safe.
We always lock our motorhome at night, including the outside lockers – mad if you don’t. Have heard would be thiefs trying the door etc to get in but a bang on the wall inside seems to deter them.
Some parts of the country have stopped reporting on the local crime that is going on. So that the tourist’s still keep coming..
As much as travelling with a dog, does have it’s limitations, they do have the right affect, should anyone come pocking around your van/vehicle. I have missed visiting a few parks, but feel much
safer , as i don’t use c/van parks and the thieves even have a go at vans in parks these days anyway.