There is no absolute deterrent
Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady
on Feb-06-13 9:43 PM (EST)
BOB is right: a sharp knife will go through straps and ropes like butter. Mere seconds.
I sleep in my canoe van.
I have a 12 gauge Ithaca Model 37. I have a golok machete. I have lots of sharp knives. I have bear spray. I have a Louisville slugger. I used to have a German Shepherd and may get another.
I may or may not have any or all of these routine outdoors items in my van at any given time.
No one has ever stolen a rec kayak from my van.
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I have rosary beads dangling from my rear view mirror, a bible in the shotgun seat, and a portrait of Divine Mercy taped on the inside wall of my van. I have an unconfirmed belief that these items have a greater theft deterrent effect when I park for the night in the parking lot of a Roman Catholic church -- as I often do -- than when I park in the parking lot at Yale.
If I'm toting a solo canoe with a removable sliding seat, I remove it.
I also use lasso and other cable locks.