Thread: Crime in the bush

Originally Posted by AndyG

I have not been bush for far too long.
But:
If you were in an outback town camping ground, would you leave your tent & gear unattended during the day? YES
Same if you were camped in the scrub ? YES

Would you pick up a hitchhiker named Ingrid from Sweden. YES
Would you pick up one called Ivan, carrying a long handed shovel ? YES, because he didn't dig any graves, he just covered them in leaf litter, so it wouldn't be him

Of course you can be unlucky anywhere anytime.

Have done the first two, any cameras, phones or computers(ie) stuff worth money, is kept in the car with us while we are out exploring.

We don't pick up hitch hikers anyway, not enough room for a start.

Baz.

Originally Posted by AndyG

I have not been bush for far too long.
But:
If you were in an outback town camping ground, would you leave your tent & gear unattended during the day? Yes...
Same if you were camped in the scrub ? Yes...

Would you pick up a hitchhiker named Ingrid from Sweden. Yes... Her name wasnt Ingrid though.
Would you pick up one called Ivan, carrying a long handed shovel ? Yes, With caution. Shovel in the back of the vehicle. Picked up a few during my runs North for work. Always pleasant and appreciative.

Of course you can be unlucky anywhere anytime.

As Redback said, all valuables are always kept in vehicle.

I've picked up several looking for a ride somewhere, you judge on the day and the odds are they are just after a ride.

When I pull up, its always done with door locked and window slightly down initially. I then weigh up the risk based on a few questions etc and their behaviors..

I wouldn't recommend it though...

my wife says i'm way too trusting...........

I leave my campsite unattended all the time, seems silly to pack up in the morning only to set up in the same spot in the afternoon....I do put all attractive items out of site but at the end of the day its only behind canvass or in a draw

touch wood I have not had a bad experience

I am paranoid - no on all counts, especially for ingrid if SWMBO is in the car!

We generally leave our campsite unattended during the day and if someone really wanted our $7 chairs and old Coleman stove it would be inconvenient but less inconvenient than packing it all up and having a top heavy vehicle to go adventuring in.
Haven't seen a hitchiker in years and we would have no room anyway
Regards,
Tote

I suppose I could always turn on the burglar alarm, two Rottweilers waiting for their dinner, that normally does it.

I spent many years doing country jobs,often picked up people wanting a lift.Most were extremely polite,never had any issues.Most were actually good company.

I do remember picking up a guy at a servo at Marlborough who haden't had a wash for a week or three.The smell stayed in the van for a few days as well.

Some even used to ask if they could pay for some fuel.

As for leaving stuff in a tent,i do,but not any valuables.While camping anywhere i usually keep all valuable gear in the car most of the time anyway.

IME, from 50 years camping very often in the Grampians from the age of 2 weeks, no probs, i.e. free camping away from designated "Parksvic" sites with amenities.

Wouldn't try it at Easter up there though.

Never had a prob and have met a fair few people who enjoy the same honest experience.

Spent lots of time elsewhere across Vic as well, same deal.

DL