Funny you should mention this, as it's one thing I've actually done I can report on here...

I bought one of those "The Club" devices for locking steering wheels (basically, you just need any locking extendable rod-like thingee) and then braced it between the closet door and the side of the stove. The one I bought fit under the table (if I raised the table slightly) and provided enough pressure that it could not be dislocated without unlocking.

Again, this is with the caveat that a determined thief will get in anyway (by banging around on the club enough to break the wall of the stove or the closet door) -- but it's certainly more secure than a locked glove box, and fits in well with the "keeping honest people honest" philosophy.

Of course, I never tried to smuggle guns, drugs, or immigrants with it. 

Yet.   ;)

~ J Reed
Pittsboro, NC

'87 Westy
'72 Beetle
'65 Internal organs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Norm Swanson 
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2001 1:53 PM
Subject: Securing Valuables in Westy

Hello list,
With all the discussion about how to break into our Vans I have a question.
My thoughts are if you could lock the rear table in the stowed position then
the two compartments below and the colset would be secure. I have thought of
drilling a hole in the table leg through the face of the cabinet, but that
woud give too much leverage by pulling on the table. I know that a determined
thief can get into anything, just trying to keep honest people honest. Anyone
have ideas?

Norm Swanson
San Diego, CA.
87 GL Westy
85 GL

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