Ultimate camera case for vehicle security?

[duronboy]

I would like any ideas anyone may have on securing my camera in my vehicle. I've been thinking about a Pelican 1510 case in the trunk, and using a bicycle lock to secure it to something in the trunk that's attached to the frame of the vehicle. I dunno, maybe even the trunk hinge could be an anchor point. Altho, the metal there is thin enough, a hacksaw could make quick work of it. I've thought about taking the car to a body shop to have them weld or bolt something substantial to the frame.

I've looked on google for trunk vaults and trunk safes, but I'm mainly finding things that are designed either specifically for trucks, or that just large enough for a gun.

It used to not worry me so much with the Rebel and the 70-200, but now I've got a fair bit more invested in gear, I'd like some piece of mind. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[brad]

Diaper bag.


Put the diapers in the camera bag.

[duronboy]

That's a great idea. The best place to hide something is in plain sight! Altho, if the perp picked up either, he'd know what was what. The ol' Canon 200EG weighs in at about 20lbs, now.

[WarrenG]

Use a "Pac-Safe" around any bag you prefer (though the Pelican is a good choice)... of course I am biased as I just happen to have one for sale in the "Buy & Sell" section right now.

But on a seious note, the Pac Safe is pretty secure (I use it in Central American hotels to avoid bags from getting "lost" when the house cleaners are doing their thing). But, before you buy a "vault" or have some "modifications" made to your vehicle, have you thought about plain ol simple "insurance" for your gear? It is really not that much, and is the best peace of mind you can have. Drop it. Covered! Stolen. Covered!

While I find a certain appeal to the Mad Max approach to security, my thought is... if someone is brazen enough to break into your trunk, they are pretty bound and determined to get what is in there... regardless of how it is locked up.

Just my .02 cents... But I would love to sell ya that Pelican

[Hogleg 44]

I use an old dirty looking "Recycle Bin" cable locked to the car frame in my back seat. I have my back windows tinted to "Limo" and keep an old "Cowboys" sweat shirt hanging on the hook above the window by the bin, and an old jacket hanging by the other window. It's darned tough to see what's in the back seat.

[venchka]

The Cowboys shirt is a great repellent. Only kidding.

Warren is right. If they want it, they will get it. If the gear is out of sight in a locked trunk, the bad guys will go somewhere else. Like a camera bag on a backseat in plain sight. Insurance is best.

[toverman]

Out of sight is good, not left in the car is better. Insured either way is best.

[Hogleg 44]

I guess I should have added...my car is always in my garage at home when I am not using it. If I park it outside over night, or leave it parked somewhere in a lot, for all day, my gear is not in it!

[duronboy]

Thanks everyone for the good ideas! I know leaving the gear in the car is never safe, the whole car could end up missing, as well as the gear in it! Insurance is a tempting addition to any security solution.

WarrenG, the case is tempting, but we live on opposite sides of the metroplex. :'-( if you still have when I visit my sister in Dallas, if be happy to take it off your hands.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Originally Posted by brad

Diaper bag.


Put the diapers in the camera bag.

LOL! Only you would come up with that Brad! Genius!

- Wil

[Brains]

If I had the need, I'd weld up a metal lock box and bolt it into the trunk. Gotta love having a mig and a tig in the garage ;)

[David1900]

Here is a page that talks about camera security bags that might give you a little extra information. Camera Security Bags The website is related to www.corporatetravelsafety.com - they just took most of their camera security bags and put them on one page.

Theft of camera gear is a problems that has been around for years - Just know that if someone wants to get your stuff - they will. However, most of the car breakins involve a car burglar using a screwdriver or some other type of pry tool to get in your car - With these camera security bags - especially the larger ones - the thief would have to have access to a pair of wire or bolt cutters to cut the cable which will lock the bag down in your trunk. Additionally the bag material has a steel mesh inner lining that would need to be cut with the same material.

While any lock or bag can be opened with the right amount of time and tools, for between $100 and $200 you will end up with something that will help protect against the casual or opportunist thief - and you can use the same bag in your hotel room, work, or other locations where you may have to leave your valuables for awhile.

Hope it helps!

[brad]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

LOL! Only you would come up with that Brad! Genius!

- Wil

Heh, I can't claim that idea as my own.. don't remember where I originally heard it, though.

[dminton]

Here's what a lot of TV camera guys use. Brian, it is a big metal box in the back!

ENG CAGE

[Bombsight]

No matter what solution you come up with, always remove the CF card you have just shot with and keep it elsewhere.
They may make away with your equipment, but don't let 'em get away with your hard work and memories.

I use a 1510 Pelican case, small chain & combo lock wrapped around the cars seat frame.
+ I have insurance.