How concerned do we need to be if we leave our vehicle (station wagon or van) parked with luggage visible through the windows? I may be wrong, but I am most concerned when we are parked at a trailhead or some other more remote area to take a walk, where the car will be definitely out of sight, and we may be gone for several hours. <BR> <BR>In the U.S., it seems more of these trailhead parking areas are being targeted by thieves as easy pickings. Is the same true in the UK? <BR> <BR>On our planned trip includes longer walks where we may be away from the car in England (Cotswalds area primarily), Wales (north, Portmeirion primarily) and Scotland (northwest Highlands, Isle of Skye, Applecross area primarily). Am I being paranoid? <BR> <BR>Does something as simple as throwing a blanket over the luggage do any good? <BR> <BR>

Jane <BR> <BR>There are no guarantees; but it is very unlikely that anything will be stolen from your car parked in the Northwest Highlands, Skye or Applecross (and if it is it will probably be nicked by a tourist). <BR> <BR>I tend to be a tad slapdash but even so it would simply not be an issue of concern to me. Most estate cars come with a flap which can be pulled closed over the back area. Ask your hire company to make sure you get one

somewhere I read a tip to get a local newspaper and leave it on the front seat. the idea was that thieves would not be as likely to break into a "local person's" car

I know that in southern England every car park has signs warning about breakins. There is a bottom line answer and that is 'luggage that is visible is never safe anywhere in the world'. One place we were at in England even warned that locked car boots have been broken into during the day.

No matter what country you are in, if you leave your luggage visible while the auto is unattended you might as well post a large banner that read "HEY STEAL THIS STUFF PLEASE"...never leave anything visible in the car. While most people are honest, there are certain low lifes in every country that prey on tourists and their belongings, and if there was ever a sure bet to make, it would be that your car WILL be broken into if you post an open invitation. USE SOME COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!!!!!

I agree with the poster above. When I first read the title of her post, I said to myself-this is a no-brainer. Of course if you leave something visible in your car such as luggages, of course you are tempting fate, WHEREVER YOU ARE!! What kind of question is that? Is she being paranoid?? Better paranoid than sorry when you come back. Woman, please have some COMMON SENSE!!!

On our last trip to Europe we were surprised when we were given a station wagon. (It actually helped since there were 4 of us, but were concerned about visibility). We were going from Germany, into Eastern Europe, Italy and France and we were concerned as you are about theft. The station wagon had a cover for the trunk area and we did make sure when ever we parked with luggage, it was all in that area with the cover pulled. We never left cash, credit card or jewelry in the luggage just in case. When parking in garage type places we tried to park in highly visible areas, near attendants or walkways where there would be more traffic, less isolation. I guess for trailheads, I would try to park with other vehicles. <BR>As discussed in another post, I probably would not lock the luggage, if they break into the car, let them search the luggage, most would not want your clothes. <BR>I am unfamiliar with the areas you are going but if you could arrange to leave your luggage at the accomodation it may ease your mind before the long walks. <BR> <BR>

I was hoping for some common sense suggestions to a problem we are likely to face, with no obvious solution (short of a cargo cover) given the sort of vehicle we'll require. <BR> <BR>Thanks to those who responded with constructive suggestions as to how we can at least minimize our risks. <BR> <BR>As for the rest, anonymity seems to encourage rudeness.

&lt;&lt;How concerned do we need to be if we leave our vehicle (station wagon or van) parked with luggage visible through the windows?&gt;&gt; <BR> <BR>I would be very concerned - too concerned to take the hike, in fact. Before I set out on the trail I'm sure I would have devised some solution to the visible luggage problem.

To Jane: <BR> <BR>These people are not being rude they are being HONEST. It seems that if you don't like a person's opinion, then you label him/her rude. <BR>As for your statement, "Anonymity seems to encourage rudeness", your e-mail address is also "ANONYMOUS", so PLEASE....

Honesty and rudeness are not mutually exclusive. <BR> <BR>Calling someone crazy or stupid is rude, regardless whether or not the underlying message may be true.

Everybody who hikes in the Scottish Highlands leaves their gear visible, nobody ever steals it.It is safe.I have done it for years. <BR> I heard of a pair of tourist cyclists who, having gotten used to leaving their bikes lying around in the Highlands (with all their luggage in the panniers) tried to do the same in Glasgow.They lost their bikes outside the first post office they stopped at.... <BR> The story has a happy ending - a collection was taken up (by the provost I think) & the cyclists were presented with new bikes and baggage.I wouldn't rely on this happening again! <BR> If you are near a town/city you may have a problem - ask other walkers, if there is a prob they will have a way round it.Its also an excuse to talk & get useful info! <BR>If you are on an island you are OK <BR> Last year I passed a the entrance to a farm track on the Isle of Lewis.The farm/croft was out of view. <BR>On the fence post sat a tin of tobacco & some money, obviously left out for someone - a stone stopped the notes blowing away. <BR> I know a shop in Skye which closes early on a Saturday & leaves all the pre-ordered groceries lying outside the <BR>shop.(includes alcohol etc.)I've seen tourists looking at this mountain of domestic treasure in wonder. <BR>MYGODAREYOUSTUPID is wrong. <BR>Jane, ask locally.Ignore the know-alls. <BR> <BR>

Although I'm sure the comments about the Scottish Highlands are accurate, I wouldn't apply them to the Cotswolds or Wales. If you leave anything in the car while you're in a remote area there it will be at risk. <BR> <BR>Doug

remember that even with the constructive suggestions you have only reduced your risk from Sure Thing to High Risk. Look into staying in the area for more than one night that way you can leave your bags at your B&B. For that reason we have started staying longer in one place and doing day trips. That way we don't have to worry about our luggage every time we park.

Thank goodness Frank has confirmed I'm not just stupid. <BR> <BR>I think you'll be fine in Scotland, but, as the boy said, ask locally. <BR> <BR>If you're moving on, daily it may not be possible to leave luggage in your B&B, but you will often find a local pub/hotel who will keep an eye on it if you're relly worried. just make sure you buya couple of pints when you come down off the hill