Re: [Paddlewise] Thief-proofing methods?

Bill wrote:

> Your hardened chain solution sounds like a good way to go.  What would be
> your recommendation for the accompanying  lock to keep it from being the
> proverbial "weak link"?  Something that is bolt-cutter proof and pick
> resistant?
>

My personal preference is a lock with hardened locking loop, again, the
largest you want to carry.  My favorite is those round locks with almost a
continuous loop of hardened steel that you have to crank around using the
key to the slot in the steel loops.  I do not remember who manufactures
these.  Most of the heavy security locks use pretty good
key/cylinder/tumbler designs, though none are pick proof.  One of the most
difficult to pick I think is the type with the cylinder-like key.

Though I personally would not fret too much over the lock type, most thieves
do not want to take the time to actually pick a lock.  It draws too much
attention too them since even the simpler of the heavy duty locks takes some
time and skill to open without a key.  They will choose to steal items that
can be taken by quickly cutting a chain or cable with hand operated bolt
cutters, or items left unlocked altogether.

I spent some time studying my dad's locksmith manuals, mostly out of
curiosity, but also in case I ever had to get a lock open when I did not
have a key.  Once you know how the internal mechanisms work, it this not
that difficult to devise a way to defeat it with a few simple hand tools.
But it does take a bit of time, some inventiveness, and most of all
patients.  These are all things thieves generally do not have in abundance,
otherwise they would make a better living with a stable income doing
legitimate work. [it is perhaps a mistaken romantic idea that there are
criminals that live lives of luxury by stealing].  So I think the object of
any security system, be it for bikes or kayaks, or your home and car, is to
make it appear not worth the effort for a criminal to make you his victim.
Troublesome locks, large dogs, exposure to arrest, and camouflaging your
valuables to appear not very valuable, all go a long way to make criminal
look elsewhere.

I routinely drive old vehicles that I seldom wash, and when I carry tools or
surveying equipment I make sure they are out of direct sight under an ugly
old blanket or tarp if I leave it parked.  I have never had anything stolen
this way.  Yet I know people in the construction trades that always drive
shinny new trucks, and can count on having all their tools stolen about once
a year, and have several thousand dollars worth of damage to their new
trucks done in the process of the break-in.  They just consider this a
routine cost of doing business, but I have never had that problem.  New
vehicles full of shiny new tool boxes are huge criminal magnates.  Best to
leave the new trucks at home, and drive a $300 rust bucket back and forth to
a jobsite, then to provide a steady stream if income to the criminal's drug
dealers at your expense.

Peter

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************