Generator Theft

[Aluminaut]

this is not a thread about generator theft prevention or the discussion of what's the best gear to get to prevent that type of theft. i think that's been discussed at length at this forum, i'm sure.

what i am interested in is actually how often it happens? are there locations that it tends to happen more frequently than others...like state parks over RV resorts? is it more likely to happen while boondocking or at full hook up spots? or has the level of theft remained at the same rate ...it's just increased with the rising popularity of Rving? or has it been overblown with the rising popularity of Rving?
does it seem to happen is areas that are obviously "sketchy" or more likely to happen in areas that appear to be "safe"?

as i've been shopping for my generator, theft is the subject that i see often comes up. while google searches often bring up gear reviews or theft deterrent strategies and philosophies, i don't really see these questions being answered. at least not in one spot. i'd love to hear all your thoughts on this.

lastly, since this is not a technical question and rather an experience type question, i hope i this is the right part of the forum for this. thanks for looking.

[kittmaster]

Subscribed....would like to also hear peoples thoughts on this subject.

[Lumatic]

Stolen from my garage. Now I have ADT. Homeowners covered it.

[DaveP]

Following.

[Lily&Me]

Theft of any kind from RV’ers seems to be rare, generators included, tho it happens.

I travel a lot, and read a lot, you just seldom hear of it.

Maggie

[Hittenstiehl]

Our very first outing. In Arizona at Lost Dutchman State Park group camping loop. During a rally that just had Airstreams in a U shaped loop where we could all see each other. Top of the loop camper had his generator next to Airstream. There at midnight gone at 0500 hrs. It was reported to park rangers next day and they advised a dark colored van had been seen driving the loops slowly the night before.

[Countryboy59]

I live near Detroit. Check Craigslist in this area by searching “generator” and you will see. Also search “furnace” and “air conditioning condenser” for a good laugh. Trying to steal mine would be career-limiting though.

[rjack]

In our very extensive experience generator theft is rare, especially when reasonable precautions are followed. There is little reason to leave a generator unattended or unsecured, and modern ones (i.e. Honda 2200) are easy to handle...lightweight, easy to cable lock to trailer tongue, etc. Select well lighted sites, avoid isolated parking spots, and boondock with gear out of sight. Riskiest locales are truck stops and roadside rest areas.

[rjack]

One good technique is to leave a light on it

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by rjack

One good technique is to leave a light on it

Another is to leave a smiling rotweiler next to it. Or have it bolted to a bed slide in your truck and set up with a chimney through a truck cap so that you can either run it in the open or under the cap.

Plus you gotta love the prices on newer security cameras. Signs saying you have security cameras are probably almost as good.as the cameras for prevention.

The rottie is the best way to collect DNA evidence though (tongue firmly in cheek)

[emoji2957]

[ROBERT CROSS]

31yrs...SFSG. If you can't see it, you're not so tempted.😂
And yes it runs fine in its little house, 'specially in the rain.
Bob
🇺🇸

[Kay0]

We have a wooden box for the generator to sit on while in use. A simple cable lock attaches to both, not intended on being foolproof just unwieldy. The box serves as a cover when not in use. I agree with Bob, "if you can't see it...". If we are in an area that is a bit sketchy, we would lock it in the vehicle. Wish I still had my beautiful Rottie.

[5150mike]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

31yrs...SFSG. If you can't see it, you're not so tempted.[emoji23]
And yes it runs fine in its little house, 'specially in the rain.
Bob
[emoji631]

[emoji819]

[Julie-Bob]

I have ours chained to the bed of the truck with a camper shell. When running it in a parking lot overnight the tailgate only opens to a 45 degrees against the trailer and the top is closed and locked. I haven’t heard of a generator being stolen

[StreaminGeo]

The campground at Morro Bay State Park in California has signs warning about it. I don't think they'd be warning if it hadn't happened.

[steverino]

Generators vanishing in the night have been an all too common experience at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, CA. Upon check-in, each new arrival is notified of the problem. Plenty of low-lifes come through the camp in the wee hours either to sleep, shower, or find easy pickings, usually bikes or gens. We lock up our generator or keep it in the truck and have never lost one, however someone did drag my firewood bin down to the beach, doused it with gasoline, and set it afire.

[Lumatic]

My 2000s have the steel handle and plastic cover accessories. I plan to uglify the covers with left over paint in dull colors. The steel handles make cutting the plastic handles more difficult. I lock them up in my pick up cab when not in use.

[gypsydad]

It happens, so best advice is to be aware and make it difficult with a cable lock if your planning on leaving your generator out in plane sight, easy to access either when sleeping or away during the day. Glacier Park told me of a couple guys who were caught, that had a routine around 4am. They would have one guy with a walky-talky walking ahead in a campground looking for easy picking generators while being followed a ways back by a pickup truck...when they spotted and easy pickings, the pickup would quietly drive up and they would quickly load the generator and quietly drive off...several were stolen until they were caught. Like bicycles, or portable solar panels; in a crowded public location like a national or state park, be aware...watch your stuff! Includes satellite dishes...

I personally, have not had any issues with any of that stuff...I lock with cable and hide generator out of easy sight...

[Special-Ed]

We were boondocking out in Calico and while my friend was taking a nap in the afternoon in his trailer someone stole his generator. I know it was not locked and it definitely does happen. It was a on a Monday so not a lot of people were out there. Lots of people drop their trailers and go off road or shooting out there, they probably thought he was gone.

[kpm]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

31yrs...SFSG. If you can't see it, you're not so tempted.😂
And yes it runs fine in its little house, 'specially in the rain.
Bob
🇺🇸

That's a great idea. I'm going to get a little tent for mine. Thanks for sharing.