Sadly, there is no sign that the perennial problem of campsite theft is going away anytime soon.
Following a recent increase in thefts at caravan parks along the North-West Coast, Tasmania Police has once again urged travellers to take extra care securing their valuables.
They say thieves have been targeting high-value items, particularly mountain bikes, with many thefts occurring overnight when bikes are not properly secured.
Last week, for example, members of the Western Criminal Investigation Branch investigated the theft of six mountain bikes from Devonport’s Mersey Bluff Caravan Park.
Safety first ... thefts from caravan parks remain a serious problem. PIC: Cizza
As a result of the investigation, all six bikes were recovered and returned to their owners.
A 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested and charged in relation to the thefts and other offences committed on the Coast. Both will reappear in court at a later date.
Detective Acting Inspector David Summers said police are urging campers to take simple steps to protect their property.
“We encourage people to secure their bikes and other valuables with quality locks and store them in a safe location overnight,” he said. “These thefts are often opportunistic, and taking extra precautions can significantly reduce the risk.”
Most grey nomads are now aware of the risk of opportunistic theft and take preventative measures.
“We always put coax cable through our BBQ, onto the table and padlock the table to the step of the motorhome,” said long-term traveller, Susan K. “Bikes need to be chained up, and thieves target portable fridges left out in annexe, usually full of beer and wine.”
Barry W was equally cautious.
“When we go away for the day, I have a combination lock and wire and wrap it through deck chairs, tables, bikes, barby, whatever,” he said. “But if they are good thieves with a battery grinder or bolt cutters, they will take what they want.”
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Been lucky so far 2x large locks on 12mm chain from brake pedal to steering wheel keys kept separate 6mm stainless wire through everything outside of the van & keys in a key safe hidden in the van
We use a cable with screamer alarm which screeches if the cable is cut.
Where do you get that cable please?
Hervey Bay has a major problem with this over the past few years they come through with battery snip cutters and clean out all along the three esplanade caravan parks, so make sure you’re using solid chains and decent locks.
Just shows how society has become,SIGN OF THE TIMES
We had 2 nearly brand new e-bikes stolen from caravan park in Hervey Bay. They were padlocked together attached to leg of 5th wheeler. Bolt cutters at 4.30am and they took padlock with them!! Never to be seen again
The best campsites are where you can leave everything open and keys in the ignition without a care in the world.
Shoes aren’t even safe. We had a pair of sneakers stolen from outside our van at Yulara, Uluru. I wouldn’t have cared so much accept they had a $600 pair of orthotics in them.