Your Letters
Ex-cop: "Guns not answer to RVer crime protection."
By Paul Wenzel

Last week I read an article by Russ DeMaris about RVers who fear their RV might be broken into and that they may be harmed. In my opinion his assumption that RVs are hard to break into and that RVers should be armed is not necessarily true and could be dangerous to the RVer.
 
Let me introduce myself. I worked in law enforcement for more than 35 years. The last 25 were as a Resident Deputy. I worked in a rural area that had many campgrounds and several day-use parks, all of which were often filled with RVers enjoying themselves.

I base what I write here on my experience and published research.

First I would like to discuss his "boogyman" who breaks into an RV and harms an occupant, Yes, there are people like this, but contrary to what we see on TV it's rare they ever break into an RV and/or hurt an inhabitant. The vast majority of assaults in the home or RV are by someone known to the victim, and not simply a random act of violence. Victims of random violence usually become involved because they interrupted another crime, such as a burglary.

Mr. DeMaris then states that "the size and construction of a stick built home make it a lot more desirable to a burglar." Both RV and stick built homes are rather easy to enter. If someone wants to get in, he can. In fact, the construction of a RV with its thinner supports makes for more flexible walls. Consequently, the doors can be easily pried open. Windows on an RV can be opened as easy or easier than on a stick-built home.

Also, to help put some minds at ease, the majority of residential burglaries happen during the daytime. Remember bad guys do not want to be caught. They enter when no one is around, which makes commercial burglary the nighttime choice.
 
The next part of Mr. DeMaris' essay is the most disturbing. This is where he states that most RVers are armed and that the use of a firearm to defend their RV is a potential deterrent. In my opinion, the use of a firearm as a deterrent is ineffective, dangerous, a false security and possibly illegal.
 
The type of  "boogyman" who would break into a RV and confront the occupants is probably of diminished mental capacity. I do not mean retarded or dumb. They will have diminished mental capacity due to the consumption of some type of drug. The craving for more of the drug makes them so desperate they may take the chance of being caught by entering an occupied residence. The possession and possible use of a firearm by the RVer has not entered their drug-altered minds.

The use of a firearm by the RVer is dubious and gives him a false hope of safety. Even some police officers, who have received formal training, have trouble pulling the trigger. Could you?

Where do you keep the firearm? Are you sure it will be close by if a situation warrants its use? Do you keep it loaded? How safe is that to all of the occupants of the RV? Most people shot in the home were shot by an "unloaded" gun. Remember that when you introduce a firearm you have assumed the responsibility of a life or death outcome for both the bad guy and you. Usually, the bad guy has nothing to lose and can make the decision to shot quicker than a typical RVer. You also have introduced a weapon that could be used against you.

I would rather RVers practice safe camping and not rely on a firearm to protect them. Camp around other people -- bad guys don't like crowds. If you're timid, pick sites near the check in kiosk or bathrooms. Clean up your campsite: don't leave items out. Most thefts and burglaries are crimes of impulse. The bad guy who just happens upon an enticing situation may not be able to control himself. Secure outside items both at night and when away from your campsite.

Secure your RV. Install a dead bolt lock and an alarm system. Use them! Lock your windows. Do not display valuables. Hide extra money and never talk about money or show anyone where you hide it.

When spending time at a day use park put valuables in the trunk before arriving and parking. Bad guys may be spying on the parking lot.

If you plan to leave your RV for an extended time, let the camp host or ranger know you'll be away. Ask him to keep an eye on your campsite and advise them how to contact you if there's a problem. You may also want to let your RV neighbors know, too. Most RVers make excellent watchdogs.
 
I'm sure there are many other things an RVer can do to be safe. Spend a little time thinking about ways that apply to your situation and do what you can to prepare.

But, in the end, what matters most is to have fun. Living in fear is no way to live. Just be smart, and if a camping spot does not look right don't stay. You would have a hard time relaxing if you did.

Do you agree or disagree with the letter writer? Please take our five second survey.




© Copyright 2007 by RVbookstore.com