secure car key/phone/wallet/etc... storage

[orca]

Morning folks, I'd like to pick your collective brains, if I may?

How many of you would be interested in leaving your property in some form of secure unattended storage or actually in the possession of someone whilst out surfing?

Also how much would you consider to be a reasonable amount to pay for such a service?

I'm considering offering something like this in the UK, or Swansea to be specific as I know that a car was stolen from Caswell only this week and it's certainly not the first time!

If cars are stolen and the insurance company find out that the keys had been left in it, or hidden on it or nearby, then they're very unlikely to pay out, so what do you feel is a reasonable amount to pay, to avoid taking that risk?

Obviously I'm aware that you can keep your key in a pouch or tied around your neck when in the water, but that is a danger with many modern key fobs and cards. Also this service would allow you to take your wallet and phone with you, instead of leaving them at home or risk leaving them in your car.

Thanks,

Steve

[billie_morini]

Steve,
this topic has been addressed many times over the years in this forum. Search for "lock box" to easily find some of these disucssions. Two items that surface repeatedly are 1) lock boxes like realtors use, and 2) as you mentioned, key on string around neck. We're a cheap lot, so you'll find $30US for a key lock box is the limit for many surfers.
billie

[orca]

Billie,

Thanks for the reply.

I did search the forum and saw the topics which referred to lock box, etc but some people don't seem to use them. Many cars have been stolen nearby me, as owners are still hiding the keys and I know of at least two in the last two weeks. I'll find out exactly how many from the local police, if some think this may work

Do you think that if there was someone in the carpark offering to guard the key for say £3, then people would be less inclined to hide their key and would pay for the peace of mind?

Also lock boxes are not indestructible, so any potential thief would have plenty of time to try and break it, whilst out of sight if it's hooked to a tow hitch or coil spring.

Please don't think I'm being defensive, as I'm putting the idea out there to get opinions like yours and if the majority think I'd be wasting my time, then i'll kick the idea into touch!

Thanks for taking the time to reply,

Steve

[Mayday981]

Hi Steve,

I had this problem before when I was going swimming at my pool. I had problems with thefts and I invested in the Aquapac Keymaster. Here is the website: http://www.aquapac.net/worldstore/water ... 899-0.html

I use it for swimming at my local pools. In addition, I used this when I went scuba diving, surfing, and white water rafting. It's a pretty secure pouch to hold your keys, dollar bills, and credit cards.

I hope that helps.

Best,

Frank

[orca]

With all these security devices available, why are some people still choosing to hide their car keys, in the wheel arch, buried in the sand, or left in a bag on the beach?

[Mayday981]

Beats me. I think it's because it isn't advertised or people just don't look for it. It took me awhile to find what I was looking for.

[billie_morini]

Steve,
Getting 3 pounds per auto to watch may be difficult in some areas. Remember, we're a cheap lot. The greatest challenge, however, is establishing your credibilityt as "the watcher." If the parking is on federal, state, city, or county property, you've got to get approval and a permit from the owning agency. If the parking is on private property, you've got to obtain owner's approval and, if in a city, a business license. Then there is how you inform drivers you'll watch and how you appear to them. If you have a uniform of some type, it'll sell easier. If you don't have a nice sign and reasonable looking table or booth, no one will believe you. If you try to sell watching informally, no one will give you money to do that. For all they know, you'll take the money and their auto! It's a tough thing.

About your comment that lock boxes are not indestructable (or something like that): you are correct. I've seen thieves apply nitrogen gas from liquid cylinders to freeze locks and gates so they can be smashed easily with a hammer. Point is, nothing is fool-proof.

billie