I have been camping by tent and motorhome for many years, stopping on Aires etc and will continue to do so. However I though I might warn my fellow campers that on Monday night our motorhome was burgled as we slept. No gas involved just to much wine at with a meal in the town and forgetting to lock cab doors as a consequence. The Aire or Aree Di Sosta was in Finale Ligure on the Italian Riviera and for location it is hard to beat....we looked out of our window and straight onto med and the town was less than ten minute walk away. It is barrier operated but that doesn't stop anyone walking in and we could not see any CCTV. To be fair to the thieves they only took our cash and left the purse with driving licence and credit cards behind. Still thieving scum though. Lesson learned even though I'm normally careful more care is needed. It hasn't spoiled my holiday, moved on and currently sitting on a beach in south of France.
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Sorry to hear about your thefts but it's good that you haven't let it affect you. Our caravan was burgled in 2015 on the only night it wasn't occupied - and whole load of 'stuff' taken, but we've replaced most, done without some, and are carrying on using our caravan without worrying unduly - just like you, resolving to 'take more care next time'!
It's easy to become complacement, but it's also too easy to forget your sense of perspective and become paranoid about it and let it make any subsequent holidays a nightmare of worries and fears. We just 'got on with it', got over it, and these days don't think about it at all except when reminded by others to whom something similar has happened.
Not a nice feeling when it dawns on you something isn't right, especially as they had to come right into the motorhome, literally the foot of our bed, to get my handbag from the dinette. Howveronce the "OK it's happened" had sunk in, we just carried on. I know you've spent a lot of time in France, particularly the south, it's a shame you were burgled but glad it didn't put you off. Some people let it get to them, I can understand if there's been violence or force involved, but as tourists we are seen as easy prey to some low life individuals who want some cash for their next fix, in the main they avoid confrontation and are opportunists looking for the silly muppets who leave their cab doors unlocked lol. There is no need to be afraid or let it put you off.....I'm not sure anything would put me off my annual French fix! Maybe one day we'll cross paths Val :-)
We were in Frejus at Whitsun this year and our van was broken into whilst it was parked just off a main square on the seafront. You could see cafes, people playing boules etc and we were only away from the van for lunch.
They didn't get much but knackered the side window and blind/fly sheet. French police were very quick at coming out and sorting out statement/crime number etc. Still have to pay the excess though and have the hassle of sorting it out.
Kind of wondering whether it is better to just leave the side door open as it is so easy to lever open the plastic side windows and cause a load of damage??
We are in Annecy for our summer break and I am hoping I do not end up too paranoid about where to park!
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Van Burglary Italian Rivierra
