The Camping Forum

[JohnH]

We thought about 2 weeks in France next year, probably in the Loire Valley, but after reading some posts on the web about tent slashing/robbery I'm starting to wonder if this is a good idea.
I'm sure thieving from tents goes on in the UK too, but I wonder if its more common in Europe. Does anyone have any experience or advice on this matter?

[Camp Moose]

Never ever seen it happen or had it happen to me .
Don't let it worry you, go & have a funky holiday!.

[OutdoorWorldDirect]

Hi John,

I spent two months travelling across EU last year camping on campsites and we didn't have one problem, I think as long as you are staying on official camping sites etc you would be fine. We spent a month in France without a hint of a problem and we camped at various types of places, with very expensive road bikes worth stealing.

Unfortunately theft is always a problem anywhere you go, in my opinion its no worse in Europe and France specifically than anywhere else.

Maybe if you are concerned you could keep your valuables locked out of site in the car, I actually googled this and found a few of the websites you were looking at. Maybe it would be best to avoid the Campsites with history of theft, don't let it spoil your holiday!

[Donnelly69]

The only times I've come across it was at two C&CC sites (Scarborough and Rosemarkie) which both have open access, so any one can wander around. Thankfully both times we were not involved. Which probably isn't too bad after 30 years of camping. Both times were more vandalism orientated rather than theft, they slashed tents and awnings. If they want to steal anything they usually slash the plastic windows as it makes no noise and they have usually spotted something they want.

We've done a bit of camping in France/Holland/Germany and never had any issues.

Just make sure when you go out/go to bed everything of any value is out of sight or close the curtains. It's a bit like leaving your TomTom on the car window - you just don't do it!! When booking a site you could always ask what security measures they have (CCTV etc) and if they have had any similar incidents in the past.

Personally it's not something I worry about, other than to hide things away.

[badger]

I would think its just as safe as here... I hope so because i am planning a cycling/touring/camping trip there next year

[OutdoorWorldDirect]

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserRe ... ml#REVIEWS\

Is this what you found online John? Because if it is, then this place sounds very secluded with no security whatsoever!

Although it is sad that it happens, this guy left his wallet in the side pocket of the tent, an amateurs mistake in my opinion, its the most obvious place to put a wallet and valuables.