I'm sorry that happened to you, it's beyond belief that it was while you were asleep.
I could see how things from outside the van and car could be an easy target for theives overnight.
It must have been someone that ws watching you, or even someone you talked (or connected to) with. How would they know where things were in your van, without waking you whilst looking.
Also, doesn't the van lock from the inside?, ours does.
Cheers
Sorry, now looked at an A Van weekender and can see the ease of entry
-- Edited by Nomad246 on Friday 23rd of November 2012 12:46:58 PM
Jonesy said
07:55 PM Nov 23, 2012
Had a bad experience at the Big 4 Paradise Tourist Park at Tamworth.
While we were asleep someone entered our A Van weekender through the annex
and stole my wife's handbag from under the bed on which we were sleeping.
Lost large amount of cash and cards etc.
Be careful, we were security concious when we went away from the van, took valuables with us etc.
but never thought some one would come in when we were there.
This park is not fenced and does not have any security, Bad for a Big 4.
deadlyprincess said
08:21 PM Nov 23, 2012
What mongrels, when you are there an all.
Has got us thinking of how to secure our megre valubles in a effort to slow down the undesirables.
Daughter has seen a caravan security alarm, might look into it.
aussietraveller said
08:27 PM Nov 23, 2012
so sorry to see that you were robbed and your space invaded by scum I know its too late for this time but we purchased a small safe which is bolted to the floor under the bed which we hope will prevent the same happening to us, we purchased ours from Home hardware its a Honeywell model 2073SB and I think it cost about $120 and comes with key and finger print lock device which we can both operate, it holds our wallet, purse and camera. It may be worth considering for the future.
brickies said
08:54 PM Nov 23, 2012
If your bed lift up put it under your bed , They would have to wake you up to get to it
milo said
09:53 PM Nov 23, 2012
rotten mongrels,, sorry you had bad luck...
have you got any pics you can post up , in the show us your rig section please?
hope you have better luck next trip
jetj said
11:05 PM Nov 23, 2012
That's awful! I bet they had watched and planned knowing the setout of the camper. Mongrels!
Gerty Dancer said
11:30 PM Nov 23, 2012
OMG, thats absolutely terrible! I'm so glad that you werent assaulted during their burglary, since they must have been very close to you to reach under the bed.
What reaction did you get from the caravan park managers, and from the police? Does this happen often in that area?
Rip and Rosie said
12:20 AM Nov 24, 2012
Take your dog with you next time.
jimricho said
01:53 AM Nov 24, 2012
Last year I was at Rowes Bay CP (Townsville) and a nearby van was entered and the car keys taken while the occupants were asleep . The illegitimates then went through their car removing valuables etc.
I've generally felt quite safe and secure in most caravan parks but there are some notable exceptions. Even before this incident I felt quite uneasy as there appeared to me to be quite a few "ferals" staying there.
Rowes Bay is on my "won't go back there" list.
Jonesy said
02:37 AM Nov 24, 2012
Have now fitted a motion sensor alarm.
With our rig, when you put the rear annex on over the rear door,
the door holds the annex up.
Thanks for all of your thoughts, the loss was bad enough but my
wife was so horrified that someone was in there while we were asleep.
Probably won't happen again but if it does the alarm will wake yhe whole
caravan park up.
Boothie said
03:40 AM Nov 24, 2012
Much the same happened to us at Broken Hill in a cabin. Window catch was broken and perp took wifes handbag through window. Owner didn't want to take responsibility and catch had been broken for a long time. Apparently we were not the first to be hit according to off the record statements by those who know. I can empathise with yoy, caeds thst need cancelling, phones and car keys that need replacing and the inconvience have to do all this. Too make it worse, we were staying in cabin as it was a rush trip to attend my wife's best friends youngest sons funeral. We had been to his 21st the year before and he still referred to us Auntie and Uncle.
So I would like to get hold off the so and so and wring it's neck. I would like to also find some way of holding the park owner responsible for putting us in an unsecure cabin. He knew the window was broken, the caretaker indicated this on more than one occassion while we were there. So now we are over cautious when we check in anywhere. If I could and was allowed, a 12 Gauge shotgun loaded with a light clay pigeon load would be sleeping next to me!
Jonesy said
05:39 AM Nov 24, 2012
In answer to Gerty, the police were great as were our fellow campers who searched the area but only found my shorts
which were taken off a chair(probably thinking there would be a wallet in the pocket.)
As for the park management we never saw them and we were there for another 2 days and they never came near us.
The only help we got was from the lady working in the office, she rang the police for me.
Have sent feedback to Big4 about the lack of security and lack of interest from management.
According to the Tamworth newspaper there were 4 breakins in the one night recently, all while
residents were asleep and all elderly people.
It is a pity because Tamworth is an interesting town but these incidents seem to be ongoing and giving the town a bad name.
Will post a picture of our little rig when i work out how to.
Landfall said
03:34 PM Nov 24, 2012
When we have our annex up, I rig up a motion detector alarm with light on facility.
Last year we heard of a number of vans being burgled and push bikes was apparently high on the shopping list. One chap I spoke to actually saw his bike being stolen, gave chase to no avail.
Ken
the rocket said
04:36 PM Nov 24, 2012
yep. low life mongrels go on holidays too. then there is the local low life mongrels. certainly pays to lock up and yes. now you mention it, a motion detector is now on my list. thanks for the warning.
gordon_adl said
05:44 PM Nov 24, 2012
Disgusting to hear people doing that. Sorry to hear and hope it doesn't turn you off from future travels. I think I may have to investigate these motion sensors.
glassies said
05:58 PM Nov 24, 2012
That is very scary makes you wonder why you feel safer in the outback just pulled off the rd down some track Than in amongst a heap of caravans and cabins ,i dont honestly know what is to become of australia if its not Drugs its people desperate for money just to feed them selves or family because times have gotten tougher
aussietraveller said
06:54 PM Nov 24, 2012
What type of motion sensor did you fit and how much I am interested for added safety dont want people in my van whilst asleep.
brickies said
10:48 PM Nov 24, 2012
Are we talking about entering the caravan or the Annex , I can't see how someone could get into a caravan if the door is locked , Annex is another thing I have never heard of someone being able to enter a locked caravan without waking the person inside or must be a heavy sleeper
Duh said
11:37 PM Nov 24, 2012
Brickies,
This particular camper trailer uses the back door (the only door) to support the annex by the lift up hatch, so with the annex on you need the back door open, see Jonesy's avatar and his comments from a previous post;
"Have now fitted a motion sensor alarm.
With our rig, when you put the rear annex on over the rear door,
the door holds the annex up.
Thanks for all of your thoughts, the loss was bad enough but my
wife was so horrified that someone was in there while we were asleep.
Probably won't happen again but if it does the alarm will wake yhe whole
caravan park up."
Here is a link to the type of annex he is talking about;
Thanks for that now I understand , Dont think I could get my better half to camp in that
Jonesy said
01:12 AM Nov 25, 2012
The motion sensor is battery operated with a remote control so that you can disarm it if you need to get up doring the night.
I mounted it in the weekender facing toward the annex and have tried to get in but it gets me every time.
It has 2 responses, one is like a loud door chime which is the setting I have it on, the other is a siren but that has a 30 sec delay.
I got it from autobarn who are the Jaycar agents in our area and it only cost $25.
Dont know why I didn't think of it earlier.
Duh said
01:53 AM Nov 25, 2012
Jonesy, did you have your doors zipped up or can they get in via the sides where the annex meets the van?
Also, does the annex have small padlock holes on the zippers on the inside and outside (for in or out locking)?
I was also wondering if one of these (suitable size) could be used on the rear of the weekender for sleeping if you weren't fussed about having an outside tent area, they are off the ground end caps that are supported off the lift up hatches and are only meant to allow you to have the rear open for extra legroom and better ventilation, they have zippered flyscreen entry and also zippered flaps for rain etc (padlocks on tabs). They are not sold in Oz and have to be bought direct from the USA....see.....
Although they do not give any outside floor space, they have the advantage of not having to be pegged down and vehicle can be moved while attached.
Kantiki said
08:47 PM Nov 25, 2012
I am so sorry to hear that. As a Tamworth resident, it is something we are not proud of, and we do seem to be having more incidents in our town. If you are still in Tamworth and we can do anything to help, please just pm me.
cheers
Jeanette
Jonesy said
05:21 PM Nov 26, 2012
We are home now Jeanette, thanks for your concern.
Tamworth is a lovely town it is unfortunate these crimes are happening.
Sadly it is a reflection on todays society and we need to take more care.
Graeme & Kate
Oxley said
05:49 PM Nov 26, 2012
I wonder if its possible to fit a security screen just inside the door way? As I'm looking to buy one those Avan Weekenders.
But I have to agree, even my little town is getting overrun with drop kicks.
And we powerless to do anything, as the last time I caught someone in my home, I was in more trouble than him. Must of been because I sat him down and said we are 100 meters from the nearest neighbour, I have 37 acres and a shovel so can you squeal like a pig? As you sure do have a purdy mouth. (local inbred humour)
Jonesy said
04:27 AM Nov 27, 2012
This is how we have set up our weekender. Since this photo was taken i have fitted a motion sensor alarm where the 2 hooks are on the RHS facing down.
You may be able to fit a screen but you would have to be able to open and close it. I will go with the alarm now. The bag in the centre contains the annex.
I'm sorry that happened to you, it's beyond belief that it was while you were asleep.
I could see how things from outside the van and car could be an easy target for theives overnight.
It must have been someone that ws watching you, or even someone you talked (or connected to) with. How would they know where things were in your van, without waking you whilst looking.
Also, doesn't the van lock from the inside?, ours does.
Cheers
Sorry, now looked at an A Van weekender and can see the ease of entry
-- Edited by Nomad246 on Friday 23rd of November 2012 12:46:58 PM
Had a bad experience at the Big 4 Paradise Tourist Park at Tamworth.
While we were asleep someone entered our A Van weekender through the annex
and stole my wife's handbag from under the bed on which we were sleeping.
Lost large amount of cash and cards etc.
Be careful, we were security concious when we went away from the van, took valuables with us etc.
but never thought some one would come in when we were there.
This park is not fenced and does not have any security, Bad for a Big 4.
What mongrels, when you are there an all.
Has got us thinking of how to secure our megre valubles in a effort to slow down the undesirables.
Daughter has seen a caravan security alarm, might look into it.
have you got any pics you can post up , in the show us your rig section please?
hope you have better luck next trip
That's awful! I bet they had watched and planned knowing the setout of the camper. Mongrels!
What reaction did you get from the caravan park managers, and from the police? Does this happen often in that area?
I've generally felt quite safe and secure in most caravan parks but there are some notable exceptions. Even before this incident I felt quite uneasy as there appeared to me to be quite a few "ferals" staying there.
Rowes Bay is on my "won't go back there" list.
Have now fitted a motion sensor alarm.
With our rig, when you put the rear annex on over the rear door,
the door holds the annex up.
Thanks for all of your thoughts, the loss was bad enough but my
wife was so horrified that someone was in there while we were asleep.
Probably won't happen again but if it does the alarm will wake yhe whole
caravan park up.
Much the same happened to us at Broken Hill in a cabin. Window catch was broken and perp took wifes handbag through window. Owner didn't want to take responsibility and catch had been broken for a long time. Apparently we were not the first to be hit according to off the record statements by those who know. I can empathise with yoy, caeds thst need cancelling, phones and car keys that need replacing and the inconvience have to do all this. Too make it worse, we were staying in cabin as it was a rush trip to attend my wife's best friends youngest sons funeral. We had been to his 21st the year before and he still referred to us Auntie and Uncle.
So I would like to get hold off the so and so and wring it's neck. I would like to also find some way of holding the park owner responsible for putting us in an unsecure cabin. He knew the window was broken, the caretaker indicated this on more than one occassion while we were there. So now we are over cautious when we check in anywhere. If I could and was allowed, a 12 Gauge shotgun loaded with a light clay pigeon load would be sleeping next to me!
In answer to Gerty, the police were great as were our fellow campers who searched the area but only found my shorts
which were taken off a chair(probably thinking there would be a wallet in the pocket.)
As for the park management we never saw them and we were there for another 2 days and they never came near us.
The only help we got was from the lady working in the office, she rang the police for me.
Have sent feedback to Big4 about the lack of security and lack of interest from management.
According to the Tamworth newspaper there were 4 breakins in the one night recently, all while
residents were asleep and all elderly people.
It is a pity because Tamworth is an interesting town but these incidents seem to be ongoing and giving the town a bad name.
Will post a picture of our little rig when i work out how to.
When we have our annex up, I rig up a motion detector alarm with light on facility.
Last year we heard of a number of vans being burgled and push bikes was apparently high on the shopping list. One chap I spoke to actually saw his bike being stolen, gave chase to no avail.
Ken
yep. low life mongrels go on holidays too. then there is the local low life mongrels. certainly pays to lock up and yes. now you mention it, a motion detector is now on my list. thanks for the warning.
Than in amongst a heap of caravans and cabins ,i dont honestly know what is to become of australia if its not
Drugs its people desperate for money just to feed them selves or family because times have gotten tougher
Brickies,
This particular camper trailer uses the back door (the only door) to support the annex by the lift up hatch, so with the annex on you need the back door open, see Jonesy's avatar and his comments from a previous post;
"Have now fitted a motion sensor alarm.
With our rig, when you put the rear annex on over the rear door,
the door holds the annex up.
Thanks for all of your thoughts, the loss was bad enough but my
wife was so horrified that someone was in there while we were asleep.
Probably won't happen again but if it does the alarm will wake yhe whole
caravan park up."
Here is a link to the type of annex he is talking about;
http://www.avan.com.au/products_weekender.html
The motion sensor is battery operated with a remote control so that you can disarm it if you need to get up doring the night.
I mounted it in the weekender facing toward the annex and have tried to get in but it gets me every time.
It has 2 responses, one is like a loud door chime which is the setting I have it on, the other is a siren but that has a 30 sec delay.
I got it from autobarn who are the Jaycar agents in our area and it only cost $25.
Dont know why I didn't think of it earlier.
Jonesy, did you have your doors zipped up or can they get in via the sides where the annex meets the van?
Also, does the annex have small padlock holes on the zippers on the inside and outside (for in or out locking)?
I was also wondering if one of these (suitable size) could be used on the rear of the weekender for sleeping if you weren't fussed about having an outside tent area, they are off the ground end caps that are supported off the lift up hatches and are only meant to allow you to have the rear open for extra legroom and better ventilation, they have zippered flyscreen entry and also zippered flaps for rain etc (padlocks on tabs). They are not sold in Oz and have to be bought direct from the USA....see.....
http://www.lakelandgear.com/truck-tents/truck-cap-tents/category/48/truck-tents/truck-cap-tents.html
Although they do not give any outside floor space, they have the advantage of not having to be pegged down and vehicle can be moved while attached.
I am so sorry to hear that.
As a Tamworth resident, it is something we are not proud of, and we do seem to be having more incidents in our town. If you are still in Tamworth and we can do anything to help, please just pm me.
cheers
Jeanette
We are home now Jeanette, thanks for your concern.
Tamworth is a lovely town it is unfortunate these crimes are happening.
Sadly it is a reflection on todays society and we need to take more care.
Graeme & Kate
As I'm looking to buy one those Avan Weekenders.
But I have to agree, even my little town is getting overrun with drop kicks.
And we powerless to do anything, as the last time I caught someone in my home, I was in more trouble than him.
Must of been because I sat him down and said we are 100 meters from the nearest neighbour, I have 37 acres and a shovel so can you squeal like a pig? As you sure do have a purdy mouth.
(local inbred humour)
This is how we have set up our weekender. Since this photo was taken i have fitted a motion sensor alarm where the 2 hooks are on the RHS facing down.
You may be able to fit a screen but you would have to be able to open and close it. I will go with the alarm now. The bag in the centre contains the annex.
Graeme