i agree with alan - more worry about contents than van theft
i make sure that i close all curtains if im leaving the van for any period
of time
that way there's less temptation and who knows that im not sleeping in the
back with a 12 guage?
my dog also stays in the van a lot and, while harmless, an unseen bark makes
for an unappealing target
maybe you can get an alarm that barks?  who's going to take the chance that
it's not a real doberman?
there are plenty of hiding places in vans and unless the thief knows VWs he
won't have time to search
i think the bottom line is just don't make things obvious and you're better
off
as far as van theft, i take the center wire off of the distributor and take
it with me when i leave the van
it won't start without it
just don't forget you did it or you will be cursing when you go to start it!
happy trails
cory
84 westy
maine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Watts" <alan@16COLOR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 5:19 PM
Subject: Re: vanagon security?

> If someone was to rob your van, I think they'd be more inclined to
> take stuff in the van and not the van itself.  I went to home depot
> and purchased a small cabinet lock that I installed on the cabinet
> next to the fridge.  It works perfect - a good deterent, but a
> hardened criminal with lots of saws could get through it.  I'm
> thinking of also installing a lock on the bench seat, but it's a
> little trickier.
>
> Alan
> 85 Westfalia - "El Beast"
>
> >One of my big worries about going xcountry is the security of
> >my stuff in the van..  What are some things people would
> >recommend for security.. i was thinking of installing an alarm
> >and a kill switch... and i am getting a popoff wheel (swivel
> >all the way around) anyway what have you had experinces with.
> >
> >
> >brian scotto
> >82 diesel (soon to be 2.0l i4)
> >
> >________________________________________________
> >Get your own "800" number
> >Voicemail, fax, email, and a lot more
> >http://www.ureach.com/reg/tag
>