Beginner camper so forgive the daft question, but when going out for the day and at night is it necessary to pack items like the gas stove, butane bottle, chairs away or can they be left under the tent canopy? Staying at reputable camping sites so I'd like to think people are decent am I over worrying or just naive about theft?
I think I read a story on here once when some people returned and found all their chairs missing from the front of the tent, only to unzip and find some kind soul had tucked them inside the tent to keep them dry as there had been an unexpected rainstorm.
Beware if anything that could blow down or away in wind or be attractive to seagulls etc.
I could see that a bike could be a theft risk. And I would lock any proper valuables in the car if I was out for the day or evening, but I never have anything like a tablet or expensive cameras with me. Apart from my tent My cool box is the most valuable kit I have.
Sometimes you inadvertently acquire other people’s treasure: I once came back to the tent, unzipped the door to find a very contented small toddler sitting in the middle of the floor making free with my biscuits.
I left mine out, more valuable stuff like the bike and laptop were stored out of sight.
The only time I experienced an issue was when I was up in C&CC Glencoe pitched next to the backpacker's hut, to find some cheeky person was bold enough to nick a chunk of butter out of a brand new tub that I had left out on the table under the canopy of my tent!
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I think most campsites are pretty secure and crime free. Most regular campers have their own gear, are usually pretty decent and honest, and are not interested in pinching gear belonging to other campers. Part of the joy of camping is buying bits and pieces over time and building up the equipment.
However, camping has been increasing in popularity over the last few years and now that many people are turning to camping in the UK rather than going abroad, and many will be green behind the ears and unfamiliar with polite and peaceful camping etiquette, a few problems may arise.
It is always best to leave the crown jewels at home, keep your bags, purses and wallets in your possession, and those that must have laptops and other expensive technology when they go camping should lock them in the boot of the car. Everything else unfortunately is there for the taking but I tend to pop everything inside the tent and close the curtains when I go out...out of sight out of mind and not open to temptation.
We used to set up with a tarp. No windbreaks. Table, chairs, cooker and gas, and other associated stuff, often including cool box, mashing stuff, and booze. plus Crockery/cutlery etc in lidded boxes. All left out and easily accessible.
We now have a zip-up awning, so in fairness everything now gets left "inside", when we go off site, but with that first set up, I'd have happily carried on with that approach until someone gave me cause to change. They never have thus far... Touch wood!
Edit:
Typical examples of our previous set up's (Two different tents).
All left under cover, but nothing but personal items/valuables got stored away/locked in the car/taken with us...
“now that many people are turning to camping in the UK rather than going abroad, and many will be green behind the ears and unfamiliar with polite and peaceful camping etiquette, a few problems may arise”
I would agree with this. And I avoid the big commercialised sites. But in general the camping ethos is honest, help other campers (lend matches, corkscrew or a hand when they are having difficulties pitching in wind) and be friendly, rather than nick someone’s stuff.
We always leave our cooker, gas etc outside - depends on our set up as we also have a utility tent so occasionally its zipped in there. We always make sure anything valuable is packed away out of sight in the car and locked.
Never had a problem with other adults. Tent peed on by feral boychild once. Saw the site owner’s 2 dogs raid an unattended tent once, they wriggled under the zip & stole food. As others have said, secure the important items and be ready to shout Oi when the football hits your bottle of wine.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Security of camping gear
via mobile 26/6/2020 at 8:39pm
