I just returned from the storage lot where our AS is stored. It is gated with security cameras, but that doesn't do much for the folks that already store inside the lot (there are storage units as well).
Someone definitely tried to steal the trailer. The coupler latch was bent over sideways with hammer marks all over the coupler where they missed. When that didn't work and they couldn't bust it, it looks like they hooked up chains or a strap to the A-frame and tried to pull it that way. When they started pulling, the two curbside wheels were dragging because I Viro-locked them together with 1/2" Pewag security chain. That's when they cut their losses and ran.
I asked about security camera footage and they want a narrow window of time to pull the footage rather than go through a month of footage.
Regardless, I read and implemented all the great advice here when it comes to securing the trailer. So to recap, use layers of protection! Mine were:
1. Coupler latch lock
2. Removed safety chains
3. Disconnected tongue jack from battery and removed fuse
4. Security chain with Viro lock
Ok storage lot tape review. If the rig moved a couple of feet and it is in camera view ask them to look at the film at say 10am each day and see if you can see one day it’s here next day it moved. Then backtrack the tape.
Find new storage lot you covered a lot by your actions to secure rig.
I would leave everything as you found it, and make a police report.
Maggie
Sounds good in theory, Maggie, but the police department in that city is not that interested, especially since the trailer was not taken. A conversation with them convinced me that it would be futile to even make a report.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GCinSC2
Ok storage lot tape review. If the rig moved a couple of feet and it is in camera view ask them to look at the film at say 10am each day and see if you can see one day it’s here next day it moved. Then backtrack the tape.
The challenge with that is that there is one camera that barely catches my camper in its view and the movement was perpendicular to the camera's line of sight. So that movement would be nearly imperceivable.
On the same thought, I did ask for the footage nonetheless. If they provide it, I plan to employ an AI script to narrow it down to whatever portions contain movement in a particular area in the frame. From there, I'll review and hopefully come up with a day/time for the lot to check all of their feeds and get a shot/plate number.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GCinSC2
Find new storage lot you covered a lot by your actions to secure rig.
We're on the verge of a move to a new property with space to store on site, so this is just to hold us over. But I'm much more nervous about it now.
They, who you are paying good to, are telling you they are too lazy to see who was stealing valuable stuff that you are, again, paying them to keep secure. Hmmmm
At least make a counter report if PD does not want to investigate.
Security camera DVR systems usually have a couple of features that will make the review go much faster.
One is a motion or event detector that looks at the video and indicates when there is motion in front of specific camera. The usefulness of this depends on the amount of activity in the lot and the sensitivity of the detector.
The second feature is high speed search. This allows you to search at up to 64 times regular speed so each hour only takes about a minute to search.
When you find what you want, you can usually export a short video to a USB memory stick. The video may also include some kind of player software so you can play it on another device, or it may just be in AVI or other video format.
If the scene was recorded at night, the video is likely to be grainy with low resolution.
It's been my experience that using five public minutes to speak at a city council meeting regarding police protection can be time well spent.
Nice job on the multiple layers. I have to do that.
We live in Canada on an Island First Layer of protection!
2: we use a Coupler Vault
3: we also use a couple lock
4: we remove the safety chains
5: we us TriMax wheel locks both sides
We are also in a gated - video watch storage area that has a live-in 24hr watch-person
Securty is an obsession with the most expensive trailer made by people today. Oh did I mention we are also fully insured
The thing is, it's not the loss, it's the idea we have to take these steps ... not only where we store Blue Streak but even when we leave it at a campsite
__________________ La Dolce Vita Brick & Mona We're Married With Airstream dot com
2004 International 25CCD Registered Name "Blue Streak"
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We suffered an attempted break-in last winter - about $1800 in damage, all in. Cameras and fencing, notwithstanding. So as we look for an alternative location this coming winter - what are your thoughts about the P3 hitch discouraging any attempts at stealing the whole coach? Seems fairly solid deterrent, but maybe some reader will disabuse me of that sense of security based on your alternate experience. Seriously considering flaunting the HOA "no RVs" rule as Plan A.
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2020 F250 powered by converted solar
Thieves generally quickly chain up to a trailer with your safety chains or their own chains. They haul it to a quiet spot and go from there. A ProPride hitch is not a real deterrent IMHO. I have one.
My rig is in a storage lot with serious security and a well-armed night manager. It’s also well-insured. Somebody that really wants to take it will do so—that’s just reality. I don’t obsess over it.
__________________
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'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
Thanks for sharing, and glad they didn’t get your rig.
Idk how urgently you are trying to get your hands on this video, just wanted to point out that most of these video surveillance systems only store a few weeks worth of video, and it is continuously overwritten. So if you don’t get it soon, you may miss your chance.
The systems I have worked with stored 2-4 weeks and that’s it.
The storage facility's indifference speaks volumes- maybe they know full well who, when and where-- there are crooks out there like that.. and they certainly sound suspicious. Like another post-er, I feel a security camera system is an implied responsibility.
As my MawMaw woulda said, "pull your pants down and make an ass of yourself!".. squeaky wheel!
SO sorry you now have paranoia!
To add to your layers of security :
SPOT tracker GPS device.
Mine alerts me if "the asset has been moved".
It also sends me a daily text "your device is functioning properly".
I have a hidden gps tracker built into my trailer (https://m.banggood.com/Micro-GPS-Tracker-Waterproof-Locator-Electric-Bike-Motorcycle-Car-Vehicle-Burglar-Alarm-App-p-1144585.html?rmmds=search) that connects via cellular and can be set to ping me if the trailer is moved, as well as locate the trailer if it’s stolen. I use a cheap SIM card from Things Mobile because it doesn’t have monthly charges.
It has an internal battery, and it’s externally powered off the 12v system.
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