Australia is famously a relatively safe place to travel, and free campers – while following basic commonsense precautions – normally feel pretty secure when pulling up for the night.
However, every once in a while, an incident occurs that gives all travellers pause for thought … like the one which allegedly took place in the New South Wales town of Coffs Harbour this week.
A man has faced court charged over the alleged armed robbery of a man at a caravan parked in a car park on Jordan Esplanade.
Police were told a 41-year-old man was asleep in his van when two unknown men – both armed with knives – allegedly forced entry about 6.15am on Tuesday, and threatened him, before slashing his hand, demanding money be transferred into a bank account.
There are several places along Jordan Esplanade in Coffs Harbour where caravanners and motorhomers commonly park. PIC: Jezza
The injured man was able to jump out of a window before notifying police.
The injured man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital for further treatment.
Police attended the caravan; however, the two men had left prior to their arrival.
A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.
A 34-year-old was arrested later that morning. During a search of the home, officers seized a knife along with items relevant to the investigation, and these items will be forensically examined.
The man was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station where he was charged with special aggravated break and enter, commit serious indictable offence – wound, and three counts of assault police officer in execution of duty.
He was refused bail. Inquiries continue.
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Yes, have been thinking about this for some time. With all the van break ins and theft in places like Broome, Alice Springs etc, it is only a matter of time for the local mafia, druggies etc to realise what soft targets caravanners really are. I try to camp well away from towns and then hope that random violent travellers leave me alone. I generally free camp in areas with other caravanners. I did raise this question once or twice recently in the north of WA (which has some great rest stops) and not sure other people would come and help if one or two caravans were targeted. I would hope that I would not hesitate to assist, BUT depending on the severity and weapons presented best to try and live if possible. Single traveller..
Just drive a crap looking car, an old van, and problem solved !!
We are with you on this one Greg. When free camping we have developed the 25 km rule we stick by ie: we never free camp less than 25 km’s from the nearest town, pub or community especially in WA and NT.
We do the same as you, and we never leave anything out or unlocked. Gives us the opportunity to leave quicly, should we need to.
I agree
One problem I see is the legal implications of defending one’s property or assisting someone else who is under attack. When woken suddenly in the dark by an intruder, it would be most difficult to be rational. You see a knife, lash out with a tyre lever or similar- suddenly someone is dead and guess who is in trouble.
Stayed in Alice last winter in the giday park. Felt perfectly safe.
This is about non caravan spots.
Can of wasp spray or dry powder type fire extinguisher in the face of intruders will turn them white with fear
A vanning friend once said to me about choosing a campsite : “You want to be isolated, but not too isolated”
I’m a baseball fan and always have my aluminium baseball bat beside my bed. I heard a thief at our E bikes, naked except for my bat flew out the caravan to find the thief on a E scooter starting to ride off with one of our bikes. He dropped the bike and took off, stopping some 50m away before riding away never to return. That’s the one and only confrontation I’ve had in 40 years. Family said what if he had a knife – my answer is my long arms and the bat would always be a good match for a knife.
We have been lucky to have nice and same thinking people around us.
However I have a can of wasp spray next to my bed and should we have an incident I would absolutely use it. It squirts about 4 meters, so quite powerful.
Always locking the door at night will deter wannabees long enough to grab your device of choice and then maintain a “defensive” stance !!!
We were free camping on the Nullarbor in SA, at 11pm there was a woman rying fo help.
This went on all night, no phone coverage, and no one else around.
In the morning, the police spoke to us asking why we did’nt come to her aid.
We explained that we were in fear of our lives, being set up.
It so happened that she ran off the road, and hit a tree of all places.
I have a wasp spray that reaches 4 metres and hubby has his trusty hammer!
Not obsessed but aware that caution is a must!