Question about blinds & security devices (3 Viewers)

[Jo-jo]

We're due to get our new MH on Saturday. We're first-timers.

I've read loads of useful posts (thank you all) about what security devices owners use along with comments about how many visual 'pieces of yellow etc.' can be seen in the hope that the lowlife target someone else's vehicle.

So, my question is, when you park up during the day and leave your van unattended, do you close all of the blinds, thus hiding all of your security. Or, do you leave them open so the lowlife can see them & hopefully move on? But they might also think, "oohh, I can get that lot off in xx seconds/minutes as I can see the van is unattended". Or, blinds closed, they break in anyway & then see the security & think I might as well have a pop at it as I'm in now

What do you all do?

 

[Figaro]

There's no right or wrong answer, no one approach will guarantee you success.
Have a decent alarm and immobiliser, visual deterrent as well if you want. I don't think what you do with blinds has a bearing.
But remember, if they want it they'll get it whatever you do.
Sensible precautions and hope for the best.

 

[HKF]

I always close all my blinds, apart from the two large ones on the ceiling. Psychologically, it makes me feel more secure but I know, in reality, that's nonsense. just do whatever makes you feel 'right' about things.

Welcome to the FUN, by the way!

 

[MichaelT]

We close blinds cos if not the dog will be all over the dashboard

At home blinds are open.

 

[Guigsy]

We close all the hab blinds, including the roof. Trying to make the back of the van hard to see into. The cab blinds I mostly leave open (unless it's really hot). The steering lock is visible.

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[SMB]

I have just had deadlocks fitted yesterday to the cab doors by a company called Vanlocker based in Croydon as I'm travelling up to Manchester from Dover. I've already got the paddle-type external locks fitted to the hab door and lockers and wanted a visible deterrent for the front doors as well. Very happy with the result, they have a mobile fitting service which covers a large radius from their office or you can just order the parts only.

 

[Hedgewitch]

Everyone has a different opinion.
I work on the basis that if a professional team have targeted your van there is not much you can do to stop them moving it, which is where the hidden security (tracker, for example) is useful. VanBitz have a superb reputation.

But I do like visible deterrents which should put off the casual opportunist low-life. I have always joked that if I am far enough away from my van that I cannot physically touch it then the Disklok is on, and once you are used to the device it only takes seconds to fit and remove.

Also have a Pedal Lock from ATE Fabrication. Took a while to "learn" how to put it on smoothly because it is a very solid lump of metal with little spare room or play - guess that makes it even harder to get off.
Do not think it would be a quick remove even with the petrol or battery powered angle-grinders which are taken to vehicles by some of the more enthusiastic sc*mbags.

I am also careful where I park - if a place feels a bit "off" I move. The alternative, should I walk away from my van after leaving it somewhere I am unsure about, is that I would worry the entire time I was away which defeats the object of "leisure" vehicle and relaxation.

 

[Roger S]

We always close all the blinds, it makes it dark so more problematic to potential thief's

We have also Vanbitz Growler which gives more confidence.

Also if somewhere doesn't feel right don't stop there.

 

[Aksp]

Blinds open. The deterrents are visible and all countertops etc are clear of anything especially valuable items

 

[PaulC70]

Vanbitz alarm / Tracker / Metastop, stoplock pro, clutchclaw on pedals, blinds in this van pull up from the bottom so I pull them half way up but not in the cab and leave no valuables on show, simple.

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[Dickyb]

Firstly your insurance company is likey to make security stipulations inside and out, home and away, theft from inside is more likely as there’s more opportunistic thieves than pro’s, we have polar screens on summer and winter so the front is hidden but could easily be removed, blinds up or down to suit us depending on the weather, we never have anything of value on display, we put it all in a box in the wardrobe, just leaving a laptop charger out would mean there’s a laptop in there. Only park where you feel comfortable and most of all try not to worry too much it’ll just spoil your time away, confidence to leave it will improve over time, also there’s thieves are on posh sites too, remember some Moho’s are stolen and some are broken into but Most are not,