Warning

[JHPGT3]

I just went to pick up my enclosed race trailer from the Storage West facility off Miramar Rd on Eastgate Mall where I've kept it for a couple of years, and found that some low life cut the padlocks off the rear door with bolt cutters and stole my winch, my driving suit and other misc. stuff. Very disappointing!!!
I understand this type of thing happens more frequently than the operators of storage facilities will admit.
In the future, I'm going to remove everything from the trailer each time it goes back to storage, incl the winch.
I'd recommend the same to everyone else who stores their trailer away from home!!
A theft like this always happens to someone else, UNTIL it happens to YOU!!
What a bummer.

[JHPGT3]

I now realize the other stuff they took included my helmet, Hans device, gloves and other personal effects in my track bag.
Don't leave this stuff in your trailer!!!

[CoryM]

That really sucks!

You should describe the stuff stolen in detail here and on some of the other racing forums (NASA, SCCA). Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll turn up on ebay, craigslist etc. It's worth a shot.

[sdether]

I was storing a fifth wheel over there a couple of years ago. I had a generator chained up underneath it and that chain was also cut and the generator stolen. So yeah, it does happen more often than they'll tell you about.

[JHPGT3]

I think it was an inside job (in both my case and yours). They have a rogue/a**hole tenant there.
Where did you go after that?

[kary]

John sorry to hear about your misfortune. Call me about replacing some of your equipement as I am happy to cut you a deal to ease the burden.

[sdether]

I think it was an inside job (in both my case and yours). They have a rogue/a**hole tenant there.
Where did you go after that?

Not sure the name of place right now. It was in El Cajon off the 67, but we sold the rig about 2 years ago.

[Tim Comeau]

Was your helmet custom painted or were there any other distinguishing features to your stolen gear?

[mfoley]

Sorry to hear John.

What kind of locks were you using?

[JHPGT3]

Unfortunately, no distinguishing features on anything, except the Sparco suit had a bunch of patches on it (POC, PCA, Hoosier, Willow etc.). The helmet was a Bieffe (sp?) plain white, the Hans had yellow padding. I think I'll put my name all over everything in the future with an indelible marking pen!!! Anyone doing that???
Thanks guys.

[gulfporsche20]

Sorry to hear about the theft. You should be able to use your home owners insurance to get your items replaced.

Myself and three friends had our bikes stolen in Mexico last year after participating in the 50 mile Rosarito to Ensenada, nearly $17k in bikes and equipment.

My insurance company covered my losses on my bike as well as the equipment stolen. If you have not already filed a police report you should do so right away as your insurance company will ask you for it.

Good luck!

[JHPGT3]

Sorry to hear John.

What kind of locks were you using?

Sorry, I missed this before. I guess I was using the wrong locks!! They were a steel, case hardened combination lock, but the shackle was accessible to bolt cutters. Next, I'm getting the American Locks Model #748 where the shackle is protected by a steel shroud. The WEB site says this lock is "meant for extreme situations like dynamite storage..."
I'm not sure why I'm doing this now since I'm never going to leave anything of value in the trailer again. I think it's called, "too much, too late!"

[JHPGT3]

I returned my trailer to the storage facility today after getting a new winch and installing new hasps and locks. Anyway, got some new information. It turns out there were many break-ins recently in this particular yard, and on more than one occasion. I
It seems there are some real pros going into storage facilities and pillaging motor homes and trailers right now. They know what they're after --they're quite selective.
I'll be getting more information from the police tomorrow. Meantime, beware!!

[jrgordonsenior]

I was thinking abut trailer break-ins as I loaded some equipment last night. I do use those padlocks that are protected by a shroud, but I don't think that would really stop anyone. All one has to do is just kick the living crap out of a side wall. They're only a .030 aluminum skin over a 3/8 or maybe 1/2 inch sheet of plywood. I'm pretty sure they would separate at the wall studs if you kicked hard enough....

[JHPGT3]

I was thinking abut trailer break-ins as I loaded some equipment last night. I do use those padlocks that are protected by a shroud, but I don't think that would really stop anyone. All one has to do is just kick the living crap out of a side wall. They're only a .030 aluminum skin over a 3/8 or maybe 1/2 inch sheet of plywood. I'm pretty sure they would separate at the wall studs if you kicked hard enough....

Those wall studs are metal and pretty close together. And, you'd be making one heck of a racket with all your kicking!! Wouldn't it be easier to just go on to the next trailer with the lesser padlocks (the whole idea)?