Vehicle vandalism while in the wilderness

[jdeerfoot]

I can think of a few friends who suffered vehicle break-ins in the UP of Michigan but I have never had any trouble and I have been taking trips there since 1970. On Canadian trips we always arrange to leave our vehicle with an outfitter, resort, etc.

 

[Robin]

I have never had a problem but every trip it’s in the back of my mind. Last year I left my truck in a small First Nations group of cottages for 8 days in northern Quebec. The community was neat and tidy, which eased my mind. There was no one there when I put in, but during the week I was out someone had been there, thankfully, no issues at all.
I have found the people here in Maine very trustworthy, I see people leave all sorts of gear out in the open while out fishing or hunting, no one seems worried. Then again, a lot of folks carry in Maine.

 

[billconner]

Pre-pandemic, I never gave this a thought, dismissed the possibility entirely. But reading more recent reports, I'm rethinking.

 

[memaquay]

Then again, a lot of folks carry in Maine

In Canada, we are reduced to pointing a banana at the culprit, and hope they have a banana allergy, or are prone to slipping.

 

[canoeswithduckheads]

In Canada, we are reduced to pointing a banana at the culprit, and hope they have a banana allergy, or are prone to slipping.

Never point your loaded banana at thievin', perpin' killa!
You never know when Darwin's way reverts man to ga-rillah!
But worse s'pose that wildebeest you point out with a Glock,
should silver bulletless you be and they're Lon Chaney/Brams Stoked-up lot!

 

[Odyssey]

Hey Mem, I'm saving up for a trunk monkey.

 

[ppine]

Certain towns in California are known for it, like Redding. I blame the large amount of drugs around.
I left my truck and trailer some years ago at Lake Shasta for a 4 day trip. Out of state plates are like an advertisement for we will be gone overnight. When I returned, the window was smashed. I lost some stuff. For the last 60 years I felt safer with my wallet in the truck than in a canoe. Now I leave nothing behind. For running the Sacramento River now any vehicles left at the put in or take out need to be watched. I will pay to leave vehicles at a fish camp or camp ground.

 

[memaquay]

LOL, I gotta get a Trunk Monkey! Or maybe better, a Trunk Wolverine, or a Trunk Skunk!

 

[scoutergriz]

LOL, I gotta get a Trunk Monkey! Or maybe better, a Trunk Wolverine, or a Trunk Skunk!

nah, a nice trunk anaconda- he could put the squeeze on him....

 

[Alan Gage]

I've parked my vehicle in many remote locations in the US and Canada. Most of the time it was left unlocked and sometimes even the keys left in it. Never a problem. I always figured anyone else that was in the same remote locations would be there for reasons other than robbing cars.

Then I left my vehicle unattended on a 43 day canoe trip in northern Saskatchewan and came back to a broken window and stolen passport.

My biggest regret was that I locked the vehicle. It certainly didn't deter them and left me with one more problem.

While this place was certainly well of the beaten path it was still in a frequented location as there was a settlement on the other side of the lake that was only accessible by water and this was where people left their vehicles. I spoke with law enforcement and they said substance abuse was very high in the local population and that theft was extremely common.

Alan

 

[Jim Dodd]

I've parked my vehicle in many remote locations in the US and Canada. Most of the time it was left unlocked and sometimes even the keys left in it. Never a problem. I always figured anyone else that was in the same remote locations would be there for reasons other than robbing cars.

Then I left my vehicle unattended on a 43 day canoe trip in northern Saskatchewan and came back to a broken window and stolen passport.

My biggest regret was that I locked the vehicle. It certainly didn't deter them and left me with one more problem.

While this place was certainly well of the beaten path it was still in a frequented location as there was a settlement on the other side of the lake that was only accessible by water and this was where people left their vehicles. I spoke with law enforcement and they said substance abuse was very high in the local population and that theft was extremely common.

Alan

I was waiting for you to respond, as I remember the story.

I often leave my vehicle here locally, without a problem.

It's when I travel. Never worried much about an older vehicle, but I sure do my newer Tacoma !

I would hate to catch someone in the act of vandalism ! My true nature would be revealed !

 

[Seeker]

I had a catalytic converter removed while parked for a weekend at the Priest trailhead, off the AT in Virginia (south of Charlottesville). Never had any trouble in the Adirondacks, but I have been driving an old Camry or my brother's old, rusty Chevy pickup. New truck/new car now, not sure how that will impact things. Next time I'm up in the Dacks, if my wife comes with me (she enjoys lake life in town... i do not), I will try to get her to drop me off and pick me up.

 

[devils son in law]

I have a hand written note that I leave on my dash if I'm in an area I'm not sure about ... "Mike, I got here early, went for a quick walk and will be back soon"

Not sure if it helps but I figured it can't hurt.

 

[Gamma1214]

The note certainly can't hurt.

When I wander up Mem's way this summer, I'm considering leaving a full 5 gal gas can my the rear tire with a note saying "The trucks about out of gas but here's 5 gallons. If you're feeling generous, please leave me enough to get to a station"

 

[Alan Gage]

In my previous post I forgot to mention one thing I started doing when leaving a vehicle unattended was to disconnect the battery. So just in case I forgot to shut something off the battery won't go dead and if someone breaks in and leaves a door ajar I at least won't come back to a dead battery.

Alan

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

When I wander up Mem's way this summer, I'm considering leaving a full 5 gal gas can my the rear tire with a note saying "The trucks about out of gas but here's 5 gallons. If you're feeling generous, please leave me enough to get to a station"

Yeah, but what happens when the second drug addict in Geralton sees your truck.

On my first van in the 1980s-1990s I had some sort of national police organization sticker I had gotten from somewhere. I also had a sticker claiming the van was protected by some fancy security system, which it wasn't. A friend offered to affix four old security cameras at each corner of my roof—all non-functional—but I thought they would interfere with loading canoes, plus it would look sort of dopey in civilization.

 

[Gamma1214]

Yeah, but what happens when the second drug addict in Geralton sees your truck.

Maybe the first group will be so happy with the petrol sacrifice that I offered that they'll issue an immunity order among their brethren? Maybe the second group will only take 1/2 of the gas (like the first did) and I'll have 1 1/4 gallons left for me (or a 3rd group)? Maybe I'd better bring a backup tank & hide 5 gallons in the bushes (away from my keys, of course)? Maybe I'd just better ask for Mem's cell # before I leave... Seems likely to be susceptible to bribery if I offer spam &/or promise beer...

 

[Alan Gage]

The note certainly can't hurt.

When I wander up Mem's way this summer, I'm considering leaving a full 5 gal gas can my the rear tire with a note saying "The trucks about out of gas but here's 5 gallons. If you're feeling generous, please leave me enough to get to a station"

When they broke into my car they also stole the 5 gallons that was strapped to my roof rack. It was a little touch and go whether I'd make it the 150 miles back to a gas station (there was a closer location but I was driving through the night and they were closed).

The fuel did not seem to appease them but, then again, I didn't leave a note. Maybe that would have done the trick.

Alan