T&T: Boat invasion

[Bob Austin]

Gary,
Our condolances for your trauma!  We have had three motor homes invaded,
including one stolen (as part of a "Sting") operation.  All of these were on
locked facilities where there were "guard" dogs!  So the gate doesn't do much
good, unfortunately.  In none of the cases did the resident managers know
about the problem until we pointed it out to them.  One involved a 37 foot
diesel RV, which had jacks that had drug about 10 feet, until they
"folded"--and a 12 foot section of fence cut out.

Since then we have gone to alarms on the RV's and boats, with LED's which
blink and signs stating alarms activated!  We have also had people come aboard
our boats unwantedly three times.  We are armed, and have used weapons in two
cases to disuade the people who "invaded".  A boat neighbor with a 12 guage
shotgun thwarted the thieft of our 62 foot motorsailor just before we were
ready to leave for Europe.

It sounds to me as if Gary did a very sensiable thing.  He had the police on
the way. It is frightening that they were armed.  People have to stand up and
capture these criminals--lets hope that they get an appropiate sentance--no
political statements please.

There are very easy to make alarms: we use ultrasonic sensors and a trip wire
of monofiliment with a microswitch, which is kept open by a plastic wedge. Any
slight movement of the wedge closes the circuit--a relay closes and a 125 dB
siren goes off (Part of the Loud hailer circuit)--same for the sensor in the
cabin, if they get that far.  There are also pressure pads, and magnetic
switches which can be easily put on windows and doors.

Locks will not keep these type of people out.  But Alarms will scare them off.
Someone popped the door lock of my Ford Excursion when we were gone this
June--but nothing was stolen, since the alarm went off.

Bob Austin
Pensacola, FL.