Ok - Here a a few ideas for those who would like to consider in order to help protect their property from theft:
1. As we all know, anytime we leave something behind, it COULD be exposed to theft - be it from employees, fellow travelers, or locals who are aware of the locations where we are vulnerable.
Solution: Try not to leave expensive items behind that could be stolen - If they are, you wont be as devastated. If you need to leave item(s) behind, consider a few travel security items that may offer additional protection for your left behind valuables. Again, nothing is ever 100% full-proof. With enough time, and the right tools, any security feature can be defeated. Here are a few that divers may consider:
Security Stuff Bag:
This is a bag that resembles a duffel bag. When not in use, the bag rolls up and can be easily carried in your travel bag. When you need it, it unrolls and provides a generous waterproof storage bag that can hold a variety of scuba items - regulators, wetsuits, cameras, and other valuables. The unique security feature of this bag is that the outside of the bag is protected by a stainless steel (rust-free) security cage, that resembles chicken wire - only stronger. The wire mesh completely surround the outside of the bag and the top is secured with a padlock. The 2nd most important feature is that when the top of the bag is locked, you are provided with a 2 to 3 foot long steel cable that allow you to lock the bag down to a fixed object such as a steel pole, hand rail of the boat, or a variety of other secure locations such as in the trunk of your car.
The downside of this bag is that the cable can be cut with wire cutters, however, most thieves are looking for quick thefts that do not make a lot of noise or cause attention To see a video of this bag and how it works, see above link.
Security Day Pack
This is a daypack that looks like a regular daypack, however inside the daypack is a removable safe that features the same type of security mesh noted above. Whats nice about this daypack, is you can use it anywhere. You can remove the portable safe and leave it in your hotel to lock down your laptop, or on the boat to secure a expensive regulator, you wallet, passport, and other valuables. This bag comes in two sizes - The Daysafe 200 is the larger bag and the DaySafe 100 is smaller. For the price, the DaySafe 200 is a better bag for what you get.
Mini Portable Safes
You can buy flexible mobile safe in a variety of sizes that can be used to secure your wallet, camera, or other larger items. These safes can be packed in your luggage and locked down to a secure object so they cant be stolen when underwater.
Portable Security Cage
This type of product has been around for the last 10 years of so, it is just the steel security mesh cage that you place over your dive bag or any other piece of luggage for that matter. This security cage is very flexible and is made in different sizes for each of the most common size bags. This cage fits the most largest bag. You can watch a video of its use. You will find several other sizes of the mesh when you go to the above page.
Security Straps and Special Locks
Several other types of security cables are on the market that are used by divers who visit locations where theft is an issue. This is an interesting security strap It is made by
Steel Core. It looks like a regular tie down strap, however it features a built in lock so the strap can't be untied after it is locked, but its real security feature is that embedded into the nylon strap is a steel security cable that keeps the strap from being cut off. The best part is that due to the security cable being encased in nylon webbing, bolt and wire cutters cannot cut it. The nylon webbing "binds up" the blades of the bolt cutters. Watch the video of the straps to see the bolt cutters trying to cut the straps but fail.
I don't want to make this message three pages long, but you will find several other mobile security items that can help you protect your valuables -These products help protect valuable camera, laptop, wallets, or dive gear. You just have to hunt around a little bit.
Again, nothing is full proof, you are just buying time with the hope that the thief will go after someone else's stuff. Most of us will never have anything ripped off when we travel on a dive trip, but when it does, it can really cause a problem - Just we aware, know that valuables can be stolen anywhere, at anytime when we leave in behind, and take reasonable measures to protect your property when on dive trips -- You will never find a crime free dive location, or for that matter a crime free city where we might live. Don't get to worried about being a victim - Just be aware, educated, and prepared to have a great trip!!!!
