State Park Crime Soars

FreshAir · 09-28-2009, 09:43 AM

This was the headline on a Sacramento Bee newspaper. We were shopping yesterday when I spotted it in rack. We don't subscribe to the paper so I didn't read the article but the headline is most likely the whole story. We camp in Forest Service AND State Parks. The news over this weekend has been that Calif Park closings have been spared for a while. However, drastic cuts in services will be a reality. How do you campers who like to boondock in govt. parks cope? I'm sure private campgrounds will see an increase in reservations. Boondocking in govt. parks is much more appealing to us as more are far more beautiful and offer more camping experiences. How will you deal with this increased threat.?
Neil.

DaveFL · 09-28-2009, 09:51 AM

We have found the best sites in State and Federal Parks, private cg's really only offer what we have at home.
Add more security lights, make sure doors lock, park only when other campers are present, check to see if park has security gates and are used at night.

RickDavis · 09-28-2009, 10:43 AM

In 40 years of boondocking and probably hundreds of nights in rest areas and truck stops when I was delivering new trailers i have only had one nervous moment, and that occurred at noon in a busy rest area.
Besides the advice in the last post I do suggest you NOT display one of those signs that says "The Jones's from Wherever. It is an invitation for some one to knock on your door knowing your name and leading you to think it is some one you know.
It is pretty much a common sense matter. The bad guys don't know if you are carrying enough fire power for a war or if there is a herd attack dogs in your trailer. Likewise most of the trouble makers will be near the cities.
There is a risk in anything we do. Personally I am more uncomfortable at the mall than in the remote areas.

If something in a spot triggers your discomfort follow your instincts and leave.

jimmini · 09-28-2009, 10:46 AM

WE boondock all the time in Arizona and like all the good old U.S.A we have our crime problems.

We have had a generator cut off and stolen at a campground with one way in and out with a gate while I was in the trailer.

Now we have a motion detector security system that we can put outside the trailer.We do not leave generator out at night and when it is out it is locked with a alarm cable that goes off if cable is cut.We now are also armed.

In southern Airizona illigal immigrant and drug runners are the problem.We have hade one park ranger killed by them in Organ Pipe Cactus Natl Mon.

Here is a site with some good basic security info for when you are camping

Recreational Security

Airstream01 · 09-28-2009, 01:52 PM

I pack heat. Lots of it. I also am very aware of my surroundings. Being aware and confident is key. If your don't have a clue what is going on around you, the criminals can tell--they prefer easy, clueless victims. Don't be one. And learn how to defend yourself with proper tools designed for such.

jimmini · 09-28-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airstream01

I pack heat. Lots of it. I also am very aware of my surroundings. Being aware and confident is key. If your don't have a clue what is going on around you, the criminals can tell--they prefer easy, clueless victims. Don't be one. And learn how to defend yourself with proper tools designed for such.

RIGHT ON

All gun are always loaded.

Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Keep your finger off the trigger untill your sights are on target.

Know your target and what is behind and around it.

Airstream01 · 09-28-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmini

RIGHT ON

All gun are always loaded.

Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Keep your finger off the trigger untill your sights are on target.

Know your target and what is behind and around it.

I should also add, the firearm is the last resort. Don't even brandish the thing if you don't intend to use it if necessary. Should go without saying, but....

Also, just because they did it in a movie does not mean you should too....

doorgunner · 09-28-2009, 03:17 PM

check out my avatar- pretty much sums it up

kingfisher24 · 09-28-2009, 03:32 PM

this trailer protected by smith and wesson......with the deteriorating economy...one needs to be on the toes

dpandorf · 09-28-2009, 04:01 PM

My grandmother had a sign on her back door that read:

"Beware of flying objects, some may be bullets!"

Instead of beware of DOG.

Kristi Foster · 09-28-2009, 05:15 PM

I think the idea of leaving a pair of size 12 muddy boots and an extra large dog water bowl just outside your door might help.

Lothlorian · 09-28-2009, 06:49 PM

Kristy:

What an awesome idea. That should get their attention

Brian

jimmini · 09-28-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristi Foster

I think the idea of leaving a pair of size 12 muddy boots and an extra large dog water bowl just outside your door might help.

Right now at 6'2" 200 lbs I wear size 13.

NO joke

tksbaskets · 09-28-2009, 09:04 PM

I've got to tell you I feel a whole lot safer in our Airstream at night than I did in our pop-up camper.

We used to laugh about the pop-up having a 'lock'. Hello the bunk ends are bungied down and the door surrounded by velcro

We aren't 'packin' but we do have red and green Winchester shot gun shells for our awning lights. Nothing says 'welcome' like a Winchester!