Rocks VS. Locks

[rusty_tlc]

I would love to talk about the pros & cons & weaknesses of physical cabin security and locks vs rocks ... but not in this thread. Feel free to start one up and invite me and I'll participate. .......

Done!

 

[DillonOnTheCoast]

Hah, ok - you've got me. This could be a good thread though as I haven't seen any comprehensive physical security threads recently.

I have a 60 series diesel. I use it for long road trips, camping, etc. I'm currently prepping to set off through Central & South America. Trip of a lifetime and all that.

Since this is long-term vehicle dependent travel where I'll be far away from home, I'm paying extra attention to physical security.

Here's how I see things:
Threats

1. Opportunistic thieves (passers-by)
2. Opportunistic thieves with external access (hotel security guard)
3. Opportunistic thieves with internal access (the guy who drives it onto the ship)
4. Seasoned thieves that target me for theft

Assets

1. The vehicle itself
2. Wheels/tires
3. External Jerry Cans
4. External tools (hi-lift, etc)
5. Gear in passenger compartment (stereo, GPS, mp3 player, empty beer cans)
6. Gear in rear cargo area storage box
7. Gear in rear cargo area (exposed)
8. Batteries in engine compartment

Vulnerabilities

1. Front/side window glass
2. Sliding rear windows
3. Tailgate glass
4. Door locks
5. Tailgate locks
6. Hood release
7. Fuel tank
8. Me

Exploits

1. Use worn toyota key to unlock doors, steal all my stuff
2. Slim-jim the door locks, steal all my stuff
3. Elbow to the sliding rear window, climb inside, steal all my stuff
4. Rock through the window, unlock doors, steal all my stuff
5. Hotwire & steal truck using one of previous exploits for entry
6. Punch a hole in jerry cans or fuel tank, steal fuel
7. Run off with jerry cans, tools and/or tires
8. Pop hood & steal batteries
9. Violent carjacking

Here are the countermeasures I'm considering to mitigate the risk of a physical security breaches.

• Use external hockey puck door locks, resistant to bolt cutters, making factory locks redundant and creating a deterrent. This doesn't appear to be feasible on a 60
• Block slim-jim access using Combat Chuck's recommendation.
• Bars across sliding windows. Windows can still open for ventilation but nothing big can go in or out.
• Tint & laminate all glass to make breaking them more difficult.
• Kill switch (already in place)
• Lock hi-lift jack & jerry cans to rear bumper
• Locking lug nuts on wheels
• Hood lock - nothing specific identified yet
• Blinking LED to indicate fake alarm
• Privacy curtain around rear cargo area to obscure contents
• Lock on swingout bumper to block access to tailgate
• In case of carjacking, remotely detonate the explosives

When it comes to Rocks vs Locks, no security measures are foolproof but I think locks would be valuable as part of a comprehensive strategy.

 

[Combat Chuck]

like the blinking LED mod.

I totally understand wanting to lock down things like your jerry cans and exterior tools.
Makes perfect sense.
However, I firmly believe that locks will only keep the honest people out.

My truck was broken into last month, locks were popped, the theives pulled back my passenger-side seat, went through my ammo can full of MRE's and rifled through my center console ignorning my MP3, GPS, and checkbook.
In the end, they took $3.75 from the spring-loaded coin tray in my center console.

Ths happened in my driveway at home, 15 miles from civilization, past locked gates, barking dogs, and armed households, including a mile-long walk uphill off a country road to even reach my driveway.
Security and countermeasures will never stop someone who is determined.

 

[DillonOnTheCoast]

However, I firmly believe that locks will only keep the honest people out.

Locks raise the barrier to entry and in concert with other security measures do help to deter thieves. They are particularly effective against opportunistic thieves. It's not a perfect remediation but they do mitigate risk at the cost of ~$150 and some time to install. This to me is a no-brainer for vehicle-dependent overland travel and I really struggle to understand why some people hate on it so much.

Security and countermeasures will never stop someone who is determined.

I'd rephrase this as "security and countermeasures sufficient to deter the most powerful threats are not feasible for the individual."

Puck locks, however, are feasible. Cheap even. If your doors & pillars allow, why would any security-conscious overland traveler not use them?

(sorry about your truck)

 

[rusty_tlc]

Nothing says "I have expensive stuff in my truck." like bars on the windows.

I take a completely different approach, most of my stuff is so old/cheap/worn nobody would want it. In fact I've been kind of hoping somebody would steal the cassette player out of the 60 so I could justify replacing it with a $100 Walmart radio that has an aux input on the front.

My relatively inexpensive camera, old hand held GPS, and cell phone go in a shoulder bag. My shutterbug wife carries her camera most of the time when we are out of the truck.

All my camping gear is stuff I bought at garage sales, beat up but functional.

I do have a fairly elaborate system of locking the jerry cans and High lift on the rack. But with a little determination somebody could defeat those measures.

I'm still working on where to hide my laptop/netbook. Probably inside one of the rear quarter panels.

My plan is to leave the tuck unlocked as much as possible.

 

[DillonOnTheCoast]

Nothing says "I have expensive stuff in my truck." like bars on the windows.

The bars won't be visible so no worries there.

It's not that my gear is expensive, it's just important.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I've left my truck standing for weeks while backpacking, and never been tampered with. Anything that matters to me usually travels with me and doesn't stay in the truck except my MP3, which is out of the line-of-sight to the passerby, and is a Zune, which is generally considered undesirable (nobody steals them).

Backpacking in bear territory really has instilled a mindset that I never leave behind anything that I couldn't afford to part with, bears will not stop at padlocks, window films and the like, and, as much as I dearly love my truck, I've come to terms with the fact that it's just a truck.

 

[DillonOnTheCoast]

I've got identity documents, vehicle title, cash, some minor electronics, a fridge full of film, old-school 35mm cameras and travel gear in the truck.

Some of it I could lose and not sweat it but I would be seriously pissed if someone stole all my gear or worse yet, the truck, leaving me stranded 10,000 miles from home.

I travel light but the truck is more than just transportation ... it's my home. Leaving it empty isn't an option.

 

[DrivingMissRosey]

Having traveled and lived in Central America for a few years, I think the best defense against thieves is to fly under the radar.
1.Keep the rig stock-looking but subtlety modify it for your uses. If you do visibly modify it, do it with used gear. Dont put stickers on the windows! ARB stickers are a dead give-away that the vehicle is desirable.
2. Keep it as clean as the locals do. Super muddy says, this vehicle is off-road capable.
3. Don't keep lots of stuff in it.
4.Try to get local license plates. In some places very easy to do, others not at all.
5. Have a kill switch hidden away. I think a switch on the fuel pump is best because the motor will crank but never start.
6. Have new keys and new tumblers in each of the locks. In FJ60s I've read on mud there is a key master somewhere in the passenger side door.

 

[DillonOnTheCoast]

1.Keep the rig stock-looking but subtlety modify it for your uses. If you do visibly modify it, do it with used gear. Dont put stickers on the windows! ARB stickers are a dead give-away that the vehicle is desirable.

I have a lift & a snorkel that give a distinctive profile but I think it will be a lot more common further south. no stickers.

3. Don't keep lots of stuff in it.

There's only so much I can do about that. I'll have my travel papers, money, old-school 35mm photo gear, camping equipment and tools all in the vehicle.

I'm going to have everything packed away as well as I can but I will definitely have some things with me that I'd hate to lose.

4.Try to get local license plates. In some places very easy to do, others not at all.

I was thinking about this. My California plates are a dead giveaway. Any strategies/sources for finding plates?

5. kill switch

done

Next up on my security to-do list:

1. I'm looking at I need a locking box/safe that I can use to hold valuables. (small laptop, identity/vehicle documentation, extra cash).
2. PacSaf or simple cable locks & padlocks to deter smash & grab theft.
3. Fake alarm flashing LED
4. Steering wheel club
5. Clutch pedal and/or shifter lock

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I honestly think the biggest deterant for stuff/gear in a vehicle is to make sure it is hiden as much as possible. You are less likely to have something valuable stolen if it's in a safe that is in open view than if it's hidden under the back seat. Build a load shelf or drawers, for example.

 

[DillonOnTheCoast]

I have a sleeping platform / storage box built into the rear cargo area and I'm using curtains to block the windows.

I've also got a steering wheel / clutch pedal "club". I'm still looking for a small secure locking box (like a safe) that I can fix to the floor or my sleeping platform. Not quite sure where to go for that.

 

[123456]

I once worked in a place that was so bad for stuff getting stolen we had a compound with two wire fences and we chained our Toyotas up at night to prevent them being stolen . We had dog's in the yard as well and when you left the compound you always had a dog with you to give you a bit of warning when someone was approaching and give you a bit of time to get back to your vehicle .


One night the locals smashed a hole thru a building wall to get in that was a fun night .

 

[Elbert]

I once worked in a place that was so bad for stuff getting stolen we had a compound with two wire fences and we chained our Toyotas up at night to prevent them being stolen . We had dog's in the yard as well and when you left the compound you always had a dog with you to give you a bit of warning when someone was approaching and give you a bit of time to get back to your vehicle .


One night the locals smashed a hole thru a building wall to get in that was a fun night .

Offensive countermeasures are required then... You need some dogs that are not pets but more like @$$ Rippers. We had a problem similar.... introduced a rottwiler, and a crazy old man who would camp out in the yard at times with a 357 and who would shoot a shadow if it moved. Random drive bys at night if its an option for security checks...a little good neighbor kissing but ...let it be known that if soemone calls and theifs are caught...reward $$ is given.

out of sight out of mind works well.
hidden fuel pump or battery cut offs work.
crazy locks or other obvious stuff is either cut or the vehicel gets damaged beyond reason avoiding the locks.

if some idiot wants what you have ....they are most likley going to get it unless it becomes too painful or takes too much time...

 

[CruisinFJ60]

Don't waste you money on wheel locks.

I have seen em all from cheap to expensive to even ones that required an actual key like your doors on Porsches. Every single one of them I have had off in only a few seconds (used to work in the automotive industry for a number of years).

 

[SNLC]

I think the list above is way way over board. But whatever, if it gives you piece of mind by all means go for it.

I done the drive to Panama & back 2x in a very nice Tacoma and had zero issues with theft of my stuff or my truck.

#1 rule: if you are not willing to lose it don't take it. This applies to your gear and the truck.

#2 rule: keep as much of your s*** inside the truck and out of sight. That means high rise on your bumper is a no go. That means tool boxes on your bumper are a no go.

#3 rule: act like a target, look like a target and you are a target. Flash cash around and expect it to get taken from you. Look and act like a dumb ass tourist and you will be targeted. Look and act like a bad ass and nobody will mess with you except the law. I am not saying walk around like Rambo or pick fights or anything like that but don't walk around all timid and look like a pussy. Treat people with respect and courtesy but don't kiss ass all the time. Be willing to meet a sketchy persons stare with your own sketchy stare. Make your self look like a risky target to a thief, keep them guessing and you won't have any encounters. If the super rare chance you had an encounter, be ready to throw a blow fast without hesitation or be ready to run at the first sight of trouble or be ready to just hand over your stuff.

#4 rule: Park your truck where it is safe. Don't park it in a dark alley. I have spent 7 months on the road in Latin America and can't recall to many times I couldn't find safe parking for my rig.

My number one deterrent while living out of my truck in other countries has been my dog. So if you can take your dog with you it works better then anything else to keep your stuff safe. In fact most Latinos are more afraid of a dog then they are of a gun. Something to do with watching dog fights from an early age. However, you should have a dog that is well trained and not your typical Latin street dog. The dog doesn't have to be big just viscous at protecting the truck and your gear. My dog is 25lbs but he will take your finger off if you stick a hand in my truck. Walk around the truck and he is going off inside like he is ready to kill. I lived in Panama last winter for 3 months, my dog also did a very good job of keeping people off my property. When traveling in my truck with my dog I put a sign in the window in english & spanish that says beware of dog. The dog will stop all petty thieves as well as armed attackers, the only ones he won't deture are guys with guns.

I never left my truck unattended for more then a week. If I left it that long I had a very secure place for it where it was being watched and was locked up. Not hard to find actually.

Look at it this way, if they have a gun and want your truck or stuff they are going to take it. Everybody else is easy to fend off. Again, follow some basic rules, be smart and it is fine. Personal safety is another issue but pretty much follows with rule #3 and you will be a-ok. And don't get drunk with the locals nless you know them.

My advice is don't take a bunch of stuff with you. Take only what you need to have fun and do activities you want to do. As far as keeping the truck secure. A simple in-line shut off valve on your fuel line works perfect. Do not put it in the engine bay though, rather along an inner frame rail. Close the valve when you park the truck. It will have enough fuel in the line to make it down the street and then it will die. Thieves will think the truck is messed up and leave it. IMHO this kind of thing is much better then putting locks on everything, that just makes thieves think you have a bunch of valueable stuff inside your truck.

Overlanders are very rarely targeted by thieves or violent crime. We are on the move to much is one big reason. Another reason is we look like experienced travelers and that in it's self makes you look much less of a target then the people who just stepped off the cruise ship. And to that same point, you generally spend less or no time in the tourist hot spots which is where most thieves focus on. It takes a week or two to adjust and get in the mode of life on the road in Latin America but that comes fast you soon your routine incorporates all the safety things. You won't have to remind yourself to put the camera way, it will just come naturally to do that kind of stuff. Also, keep in mind there is plenty of rich Latinos down south driving around in $50-100+k cars and trucks. Car jackings are not really any more common down south then they are in any big city in the USA. An old 60-series diesel is not going to look like a super nice car worth risking life and limb to jack.

 

[SNLC]

I will even add to my long post above!

Dillononthecoast you are being paranoid. My Taco looked way way nicer then any old FJ60 will look. I had no problems in 7 months, much of which was spent traveling by myself.

Have you traveled in Latin America before? If so what kind of travel? Latin America is not some lawless old west style anarchy place. Police and military presense is heavy in most places.

Look at all the trip reports on the Expo forum. read all the Pan Am drives people have done in plenty of much nicer trucks then an old FJ60. See how many you can find where the overlanders have had problems. It is very few if any and generally you only hear about it when someboyd lets their guard down and makes themselves a target. Park some place for two weeks and camp out and not be aware of your surroundings and who may be watching you, yes you may suffer from somebody breaking into your Cruiser.

I say again, if you are not willing and ready to lose your truck and gear, do not go. If you are overly paranoid you will be uptight and have a hard time relaxing.

Having been myself you should be more worried about how you are going to deal with the police/border officers because they are going to try and rob you more then any of the locals.

 

[Live to Ski]

Re windows: I recall a tape based product, that when applied to windows, made 'em bullet (and bat) proof.

Havn't been able to locate the product in years, but I bet it's out there.

Fuel cut off: Agree with the fuel line location. Again, another reading indicated that if your truck is "killed" and you are there, they will find a way to convince you to make it work. If they take the truck, drive off, and it dies 5 min later, you probably will get it back (after s_*ting in your pants, no I haven't fully experienced that sensation but awful close

 

[Live to Ski]

My final addition: I am contemplating hitting a pick & pull, getting totally dented up body parts and installing. Makes the rig look like a work rig...beat up...undesirable

 

[SNLC]

My final addition: I am contemplating hitting a pick & pull, getting totally dented up body parts and installing. Makes the rig look like a work rig...beat up...undesirable

Not a bad idea really. Especially if rolling in a nice truck. However, many people have done the trip in nice trucks without doing this. It may save you a bunch of stops by the cops, although that is hard to say really as it all seems to be about timing to me.