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Chickadee · 02-03-2010, 06:16 AM

G'morning iRV2'rs:

Thought ya might find this interesting.

It's 6:30 a.m. Central Time, here in Duson, LA at the Frog City RV Park (Exit 92 on I-10). We pulled in with our MH last evening around 5:30 p.m. after about a 400 mile day coming West from Florida. I was pretty tired, so after supper and a little TV, I went to bed about 9:30 p.m. while the boss stayed up, per her usual practice, and she finally came to bed around 12:45 or 1:00 a.m. At 3:15 a.m., I awoke, got up to the bathroom, then wandered fwd. into the kitchen area to check the clock on the microwave. I then noticed an overhead cabinet door open,...then a lower cabinet open,...then, in the dark, noticed a number of cabinets open!! My first thought was that my wife had discovered some leaking into these cabinets and had left em open to dry things out...but...cabinets and contents were DRY!! Still in the dark except for campground lighting through the windows, I began to notice some of our stuff out on the table, on couch, on floor, etc., and THEN, I discovered that the slide up window and screen adjacent to the entry door at the right side of the passenger front captains chair was OPEN..(ie., that is, the window was up and the screen was up)..then I discovered the entry door was ajar (open) and as usual, it had been LOCKED. I found my pants, which I always hang on a hook next to my side of the bed, were now piled on the psngr. captains chair, along with some other items, and that's when I came to the realization that someone had broken into our rig, after my wife had gone to bed around 1 a.m., and the time I awoke at 3:15 a.m.!! I don't know for sure, but, I kinda have the feeling that someone bailed out when I woke up at 3:15!!

Outside, someone had placed one of those plastic molded lawn chairs under that slide up window (which hereafter WILL be locked closed) and they'd evidently reached in, and down to the door locking mechanism, knew how to raise the electronic lock lever, and turn the deadbolt, and got in through the door!! Not only had they gone pretty thoroughly through all cabinets in the the living room and kitchen area of the coach, but had gone through some file cases we have (campgrnd. directories, rig manuals, etc.), a gym bag I keep my harmonicas and amp. in, but, had gone through the medicine cabinets in the bathroom section of the rig...AND...had even been next to my side of the bed when removing my trousers from the hook...evidently looking for my wallet...which was not in the pants!! ALL while we were asleep, right there!!

No damage was done to anything that we can tell yet, AND, they found no money, nor, again as far as we can tell, did they take any credit cards, check, etc., or ANYTHING else.

We did have the police come, mainly to have a report filed, and as daylight approaches, we'll check things out...and...hopefully, be on our way. DANG!!...some people sure have no fear. Steve & Lynette

Ron & Dee · 02-03-2010, 06:28 AM

WOW that's scary

Thanks for sharing.

Our two cats are like watch dogs, they would have started growling if a stranger had been in the camper

Ron

mudpuppy · 02-03-2010, 06:29 AM

I am glad everything is ok. This is why I will always travel with two important items. My dog and my gun.

George Z · 02-03-2010, 06:47 AM

Probably better that you did not awake to confront him as being that brazen he probably had a weapon. Material things can be replaced, your life cannot.

Rick Long · 02-03-2010, 07:03 AM

I wonder, is this an ongoing problem at this campground?

Superslif · 02-03-2010, 07:08 AM

The nerve of some people. Was this RV park in a city location, or in a rural area. Myself I always feel safer out in the country, maybe letting my guard down too much. I'm going to have to be more diligent in locking the door at night. Youi just never know.....

Lynnvt · 02-03-2010, 07:31 AM

Wow, that's pretty scary, especially that he was next to you while sleeping. I'm glad we have a dog now. Give me the creeps just thinking about it.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 02-03-2010, 07:41 AM

I rigged a couple of our windows with extra locks so they can open only so far before hitting the lock. Then if it's hot and we do sleep with any windows open the openings are never large enough to get a body through. The locks must be placed so that anyone reaching in with their arm cannot removed them. Also, only use windows that aren't close enough so someone can reach in to get to any door locks or other window locks.

I've also got the rig alarmed so we'll be awakened if someone trys.

tedward1555 · 02-03-2010, 07:55 AM

that is frightening. A thief that bold had to be dangerous. I've been thinking about getting dowels for all my slider windows too. The lock on them is not very secure as even wind from driving down the road at 70 causes mine to creep open a bit. I'm sure someone who wanted in bad enough could push them open... a dowel in the slide track might just deter them.

tmitchell · 02-03-2010, 07:59 AM

Excellent reason to travel with a dog. We have a Boston terrier, that would alert us as soon as someone got close enough to touch the motorhome. That is the only thing he has to do. I would take it from there.
Tom

PJGMG · 02-03-2010, 08:06 AM

Steve & Lynette, glad you are both OK... What a frightening experience. Thank you for sharing. My 2 friends S&W are close by..

SSteve · 02-03-2010, 08:26 AM

We stayed in this park in mid 2009. Our only gripe was the fire ants. It is located behind a "casino/gas station" and has a motel to one side and has unobstructed access by anyone from either.

With that much potential for folks passing through that area to wander over to the park....

Glad you're OK.

georgetown350 · 02-03-2010, 08:30 AM

Chickadee you must be a deep sleeper. Was your bedroom door closed?

wa8yxm · 02-03-2010, 08:54 AM

May I recommend a sticker be placed on that window.. It is sold by Smith & Wesson dealers.. Says "Forget the dog, Beware the owner"

NOTE: I'm not suggesting you buy anything from a gun dealer other than the sticker and perhaps a can of Dri-Slide lubricant.. (which has nothing to do with this thread)