Post by: Bird on January 28, 2021, 10:26:15 AM
A bizarre crime spree is surging across Melbourne’s bayside suburbs as a demand for campervans and caravans grows.
Thieves have been targeting the mobile homes, purchased by holidaymakers hoping to hit the road instead of heading overseas.
CCTV footage showed how quickly they can be stolen, with one thief arriving at a Mordialloc home on foot and spending only minutes unhooking the campervan and driving away with it.
(https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-2043484/351701ef2ec0f674187d488df265fe4e1cd6b101.png?imwidth=828&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
That caravan belonged to the Hopkins family who had only just taken it out of storage in preparation for a trip to South Australia.
They were asleep on New Year’s Eve when it was stolen from outside their home.
“We got up in the morning, went out to walk the dog and it’s gone,” Katie Hopkins told 7NEWS.
“This has been our family holidays for years. We’ve travelled around half of Australia in it. We spent six months living out of it.
“It’s got amazing memories for us and it’s something we worked really hard to get.”
Without the option of overseas holidays, Australians are buying caravans in droves.
The strong demand has caused a spike in thefts from Mordialloc, Hampton, Parkdale and Black Rock in the month of January alone.
Jayco National Sales Manager Scott Jones said they have seen a 35 per cent increase in new and used caravans, which took them “by surprise”.
Anyone considering buying a campervan or caravan second hand are urged to check the VIN number.
If it is found to be stolen, the buyer could risk losing the vehicle and the money paid for it.
Jones recommended putting a padlock on the coupling of the vehicle or using wheel clamps.
https://7news.com.au/news/crime/melbourne-crime-spree-after-caravans-and-campervans-stolen-in-hampton-black-rock-and-mordialloc-c-2043484 (https://7news.com.au/news/crime/melbourne-crime-spree-after-caravans-and-campervans-stolen-in-hampton-black-rock-and-mordialloc-c-2043484)
Post by: DrewXT on January 28, 2021, 06:55:35 PM
But if they want it badly enough, I guess they'll still get it, given most of the germs carry portable angle grinders with them...
New shed will be done in a month, and she'll be inside again after that
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Post by: Bird on January 29, 2021, 09:02:05 AM
It's farked... I've got the wheels chained, as well as the coupling, and it's behind a gate that has the 4wd in front of it...I'd take the wheels off LOL
But if they want it badly enough, I guess they'll still get it, given most of the germs carry portable angle grinders with them...
Post by: DrewXT on January 29, 2021, 05:59:02 PM
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Post by: Brisbane Puff on January 29, 2021, 07:49:39 PM
How the system works is the usual switches are fitted to the boot lid, the tool box and the entry door. The (minimum of 1) shock sensor is fitted inside of the chassis rail as is the siren. The key switch is fitted (in my case) on the exterior near the entry door. Using two separate outputs from the alarm to control two separate normally open relays which in turn supply power to the brake circuit at two separate places provides two independent systems in case one is found. Once the key switch is on the alarm is activated and triggers from one of the switches or if the van is moved or even receives a bump the alarm goes off and the brakes are activated..
Post by: MrCruza on January 29, 2021, 08:34:04 PM
Witi (https://www.witi.com.au/)
Post by: Bird on January 29, 2021, 10:53:54 PM
Fitted a Witi system to my new van.Havent looked at the specs, but looks like a good price for that setup
Witi (https://www.witi.com.au/)
Post by: xcvator on January 30, 2021, 08:03:27 AM
Fitted a Witi system to my new van.
Witi (https://www.witi.com.au/)
Looking at that system myself, did you install it yourself or have it done for you ?
Post by: gronk on January 30, 2021, 08:33:00 AM
Or move to the nice end of town !! ;D
Post by: GeoffA on January 30, 2021, 08:43:43 AM
Post by: Bird on January 30, 2021, 09:10:54 AM
Quote from: GeoffA
.but keeping it out of sight helps a lot....Cheapest solution and probably the best
Post by: DrewXT on January 30, 2021, 12:23:02 PM
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Post by: MrCruza on January 30, 2021, 12:45:35 PM
It's a 23 foot van. Bit hard to keep it out of sight. I also have a security chain on one wheel and a Kovix alarmed hitch lock, and it's parked down the side of our carport where it's a pain to get it out. Can't be too careful.
Kovix Hitch lock (https://www.kovixaustralia.com.au/product/ktr-18-alarmed-trailer-lock/)
Witi also sells a tracker that just plugs straight into the alarm system. Will get one when $$$ allow.
Post by: DrewXT on January 30, 2021, 01:25:13 PM
Good video on the Witi here, plus a coupon code from memory
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Post by: Bird on January 30, 2021, 01:31:34 PM
And if it's under cover, the fnarking cover doesn't leak like ours did yesterday.... And it's bloody raining in Melbourne just for something differentlovely weather here :P
Post by: DrewXT on January 30, 2021, 06:35:18 PM
lovely weather hereTurned nice, so it's been dried and the garage pulled apart, so the camper is now locked in and dry
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Post by: Fizzie on January 31, 2021, 07:42:41 AM
Turned nice,
Ahh, so just a gentle sprinkle ;D >:D
Post by: gronk on January 31, 2021, 03:36:39 PM
Ahh, so just a gentle sprinkle ;D >:D
Melbournes the opposite of Queensland....raining one day, drizzle the next !! ;D
Post by: DrewXT on January 31, 2021, 04:26:45 PM
Melbournes the opposite of Queensland....raining one day, drizzle the next !! ;DPretty much, then a clear blue sky today
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Post by: gronk on January 31, 2021, 07:30:52 PM
Pretty much, then a clear blue sky today
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You know they reckon Melbourne gets more sunshine than Sydney ?? Then I googled it....only in January !!