Hey Folks,

After a couple of years in Washington, I'm about to move back to Portland,
Oregon. I have secured an apt in NW (a nice part of town). Over the last 6
months of staying with my girlfriend and walking the streets of NW, I've
noticed an increased amount of car window glass on the sidewalks each
morning. It seems more and more common that cars are being broken into.

This morning while at the corner of 20th and Flanders (not a secluded street
by any means) I found a car who's windows had been broken right below our
apt. window. I was partially shocked at the brazenness of the folks (there
are a lot of cart pushers who come up form under 405 freeway) and that I
didn't even hear it 4 floors up.

So, now the questions I am dealing with ... is, should I consider investing
in an alarm? I do have a nice radio (tho it is fairly secure) and a bunch of
camping equipment in my 1986 Westy (Goldie). Sleeping bags, cooler and pots
and pans are what I usually leave in it all the item.

I generally hate the unattended car alarm when I hear one go off (I'm not
sure I've ever seen anyone react to one before when they do go off).
However, I wonder if such an investment would add to my vans security? I
don't have power locks, and am considering an alarm that activates when
window glass is broken. Smash and grab seem to be the m.o.

Can anyone speak to the pros or cons of owning an alarm (or not)? Anyone had
any experience leaving your car on the street in NW Portland? On the whole,
I feel the city is very safe for people ... however I can't say that about
the cars, based on what I have seen lately.

Any advice, ideas or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

thanks much,
dave bowers
1986 westy