Nearly lost Rhonda

[djsooz]

Hi All,

Bad news I'm afraid. Not everyone was celebrating over Christmas but were out trying to steal. Three kids - around 10 to 12 years old I'm told - tried to steal my van on Christmas night. They forced the drivers door lock, got in, then tried to force the ignition. When this failed, they had a go at breaking the dash board and trying to hot wire her and then they jumped into the back and proceded to vandalise and wreck everything they could see. They also kicked out one of the side windows and slashed the insect screens on the roof lights with a knife. Luckily a neighbour happened to look out of his kitchen window and realised it wasn't me he saw going in and out of the van.

He bravely ran out (he's in his 60's), confronted them and chased them off - I think at this stage they had started to steal the contents. They had the cheek to say to him that they would call the police if he hit them. His answer, as you can imagine, is unprintable.

After this he knocked on my door and we called the police. Thanks to him I still have my van and I've only lost a couple of small things for my bikes,
a couple of tools and a camera. The damage though will be much more costly to repair. The drivers side door only locks from the inside and the ignition is totalled - can't even get my key in. Don't know about the side window yet but I've managed to lock it. I've also got a small chip out of the plastic just in front of the sink - any one have any ideas how to repair this?

On the phone to my insurance company tomorrow to see what to do. The police and scenes of crime people have been very good but its unlikely the culprits will be caught.

I'm thinking of looking to rent a lock up garage in the new year if I can afford it. Can anyone suggest an alternative? Maybe a good alarm system?

Anyway, here's hoping for a good new year. At least I still have the van.


Sooz.

PS The police say this can happen anytime anywhere to parked vans so please everyone try to keep your vans safe in a gated drive or garage. If you can't, keep it in good sight of lots of neighbours. Other than that, I'm going to park mine in the kitchen

[Graham]

Hi Sooz

So sorry to hear your news, its hard to believe that children aged 10 to 12 haven't got better things to do on Christmas night of all nights, what a sad world we live in.

If the van is a high top you will have trouble find a garage that it will go in.

Here's hoping you get your van back on road again soon and you will be able to put this horrible experience behind you.

Best wishes
Graham

[jayjay]

Hi Sooz,

Sad reflection of today's society, isn't it?

My van is no longer in sight of me as I've moved and have yet to put in a drive, so it's at the other end of the village...

I don't know whether these ppl will be able to help re security, but they do lots of different fiamma locks - not cheap, but look good. I was thinking of getting something like this for mine.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&item=380092631612

Also a visual deterrant like a crook lock device for the steering wheel means that only the very determined will try to break in and start your van as the steering is locked.

So sorry this has happened, I hope you manage to get it sorted soon. JayJay

ETA: forgot to say you can get van door locks similar to the above but for the van doors rather than the caravan door- just put a search into google.

[lymestoney]

Hi Sooz,

Really sorry to hear about your van, but glad you didn't lose it. What a horrible thing to happen. I was so excited about getting mine that it fills me with dread that it could be vandalised or stolen. And Christmas is a particularly grating time for anything like that to happen. Hope you are both ok.

Dan

[lunnie]

So sorry to hear your bad news, I had mine stolen 21/1/06 fortunately it was recovered 5 weeks later, took 3 months to fully repair, but the upset it caused cannot be described.

[sunshine1]

Djsooz,
so sorry to hear about your our attempted break in and take away! On xmas eve!

I went away boxing day for a couple of days! YES EVERY ONE SUNSHINES1 SOOTY VAN IS BACK ON THE ROAD!
I was really worried I'd come back to being burgled! Has the sooty van had vacated the drive! Red light to those who burgle!

Try and have a happy new year!

Ellie Sunshine1

[martinw]

Hi, Sooz

Really sorry to hear about your brake in.

I wont write down what I think, I don't want to offend anyone.

Hope all goes well, please keep us informed how you get on with your insurance claim.

All the very best to you - Martin

[viv]

Hi Sooz

So sorry to hear about this awful crime. I am so angry for you. The trouble is that these louts seem to get away with it and have no fear of the law.

I hope all gets sorted for you. I am fortunate that I have a drive and our little van nestles up the side of the house, however I always park the car at an angle across and in front of it just in case.

Hope the insurance sorts it for you,

[kiwidave]

Dec 30, 2008 9:05:04 GMT martinw said:

Hi, Sooz

Really sorry to hear about your brake in.

I wont write down what I think, I don't want to offend anyone.

Hope all goes well, please keep us informed how you get on with your insurance claim.

All the very best to you - Martin

Hi Sooz

Martin pretty much sums up how I feel as well, I cannot believe that there are little %$£&"£ out there that would do this.

Unfortunately they know they can get away with it and even if they are cought, they will only get a slap on the hand because they are minors.

I really hope that the new year goes well for you, and you get a speedy settlement from the insurance company.

All the best Sooz

Dave

[djsooz]

Thanks everyone for all your messages of support, they're much appreciated as I know how fond we all are of our wee vans. Also thanks for the advice - think I'll look in to better locks and an alarm. Insurance company haven't been that speedy so far but I'll let you know what happens. Hopefully I'll have Rhonda fully repaired soon and can look forward to my first trip in early spring.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Sooz.

[blondieandi]

It really pisses you off doesnt it??!! You work hard and try your best to have a good life and some little sh*ts think its a laugh to wreck your possessions and steal from you. If you caught them and harmed them you wouldget in trouble any way. Good luck for the repairs and happy 2009 holidays.

[pendel]

So Sorry to hear about the vandalism on your camper. How about putting an electric fence around it , like the farmers do to keep cattle of crops? It would certainly give the little & large thiefs a jolt to think about and it woud give you something to smile about. Not enough to hurt them but enough to stop them. But seriously, it does annoy you to hear about this happening and I wish you all the best in getting your camper back in shape. Pendel

[time2travel]

Good luck with your repairs - we have a Toad alarm on our van but as our drive is not gated also fit a crook lock as a back up
We had some damage done to our car that was parked down the road last year a brave neighbour saw them called the police and followed them keeing in touch with the police until they turned up where they had moved on to
Police took them in etc but CPS decided against taken the kids to court - they got the caution we got the bill as cost was a bit lower than the excess on insurance

If I knew who they where I would be tempted to buy a cattle prod and we know where I would shove it!!!!!

Barbara

[djsooz]

Hi all,

Thanks again for all your messages of support. Rhonda is now in the garage I use for MOT, servicing etc. Waiting for the insurance company to give the go ahead for repairs. I'm looking into alarms and new locks - but maybe that cattle prod too Barbara! (and if I could, an electric fence Pendel). The police have more or less given up so the kids responsible are free to do what they like unfortunately.

Rhonda being like a second home really made me feel invaded but I'm determind to put this behind me once she's sorted and go on having great adventures with her.

Here's to great camping weather in 2009 ;D

Sooz.

PS Lunnie, didn't know you had gone through the whole thing of getting your van stolen and then recovered and the 3 months repair work. Must have been a nightmare. Well done you for carrying on. S.

[djsooz]

Hi All,

Haven't been on here for a while, usual too busy with work, getting things done to the house and other mundane stuff. Glad to say that Rhonda is ready for the road again after the christmas attempted theft. The insurance company were pretty slow and I still have to repair the roof vent myself as they said they couldn't get the part (I'm sure I've seen similar in caravan/motorhome dealers shops). I've bought a steering wheel lock and getting a reasonably priced wheel lock this weekend.

Was interested to read recent comments on alarms. The older guy at my garage (its a father and son outfit) told me not to bother with the expense as they cost more than they're worth and everyone ignores the noise anyway. He advised a steering lock and wheel clamp as true anti theft devices. I note that Ant has a similar opinion regarding alarms so I'm following good advice.

Anyway I'm about to attempt the repair on the roof light myself (might be asking for some help soon !). Hopefully going away for the weekend soon on our first trip this year - can't wait. ;D

Thanks again for all your messages of support.

Its going to be a great summer.

Sooz.

[Graham]

Hi Sooz

Glad you're back up and running again, lets hope it was a one off incident and you won't get any more trouble. At least now you will have your security measures in place to foil the little so and so's.

Graham

[martinw]

Great to hear the good news

[lunnie]

Hi Sooz

So pleased that you are now sorted, it is a terrible time when you van is either stolen or vandalised. I am insured with Caravan Wise, 01425 280078 they use NIG which is part of the Churchill Group it is not the cheapest BUT they paid me out immediately, when my van was stolen but pleased to say it was found but damaged, and lots of items stolen and van damaged, no quibble at all, even when some items I claimed for which I later found, and informed them to deduct from my claim, they didnt paid out in full.

Because of this excellent service I have decided to stay with them worth the extra £40 for peace of mind.

So 2009 you have wheels and ready to travel- enjoy.

[djsooz]

Hi All,

After all my trials at Christmas I didn't get away in early spring because of work and home commitments (doing up my flat a bit). However all my repairs are done and Rhonda has passed her mot and service with only a couple of minor repairs. I've since changed my insurers because of the poor service they gave me - safeguard/allianze - they're not as good as they promise.

I'm off for a couple of weeks now so we're off to Mull on Sunday for 5 days then where ever the road takes us. Can't wait to go now ;D

Need to buy a new Swiss Army Knife though. as that was one of the items stolen and I found mine so useful. My original had sentimental value too as I got it for my 21st birhtday which, believe it or not, wasn't last year

May get a new camera too so might finally be able to post photos.

Will post with any exciting finds on my trip when I get back.

Take Care

Sooz.

PS The recent meet sounded good. Wish we could have joined you but it was too far away for a weekend. Good to hear about them though.

[Graham]

Hi Sooz

Good to hear from you, glad you are back on the road again, have a great holiday, Mull is lovely I envy you, if you've got a dongle (sorry Derek modem), keep us in touch with your travels.

Graham

[djsooz]

Thanks Graham. Don't have a lap top or dongle thingy or modem on the road. I'm very low tech, probably cos i'm really an old hippy ;D If I pass by t'internet cafe however, will let you know how we're getting on. The weather's not good up here just now so please keep your fingers crossed for us. Last May was so good in Scotland. It was the only real summer we got :

Sooz.

PS Managed to fix up a new fly mesh on my vandalised roof vent myself at low cost without having to buy a whole new vent. If anyone needs any hints with this, I'd be happy to help. I'm sure everyone on here would manage though cos it was easy for me