We Got Robbed - Vanlife Break In

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A couple of weeks ago in Spain our campervan was broken in to in San Sebastian. They took about £1000's worth of stuff and damaged the beautiful van build. It happened during a 1 hour window in the morning in front of a busy cafe.
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⭐ About Travel Beans:
Hello and welcome to our channel! We are Alex & Emma, a British couple who have been exploring the world together for over 10 years - from backpacking to vanlife:
2012/13: We both embarked on our own solo backpacking trips through Southeast Asia, where we would eventually meet at a hostel in the mountains of Thailand and begin traveling together. After a year and a half of backpacking around Southeast Asia & Australia, we returned home and to the corporate world!
2015: Travel Beans was born and we filmed our first videos on a road trip around Europe with friends! This was our biggest trip yet.. and you can go back and watch the entire adventure because we filmed ALL of it! This trip took us through Russia, Mongolia & China, on the longest railway journey in the world. Followed by highlights such as staying on a local island in the Maldives for a month, going on safari in Sri Lanka, couchsurfing & hitchhiking in Korea, seeing the snow monkeys in Japan, island hopping in the Philippines, trekking 60km through the centre of Myanmar, exploring the Indian Himalayas, and checking out some of the incredible US National Parks.
2016: Despite an unbelievably memorable year and a half of travels, which we were incredibly grateful to have had the privilege to experience.. we found ourselves in New York City, battling depression. At this point, we decided to go home and confront this problem head-on.
2017: After 6 tough months at home we decided to go away again, but this time with a goal in mind.. to turn travel into a lifestyle. We left the UK with just £500 in our bank account and a dream to make a continuous travel lifestyle happen! We both got online English teaching jobs to be able to fund our travels and to keep creating videos. We can't quite believe that our younger selves decided to take this plunge but we are so grateful they did as we are still on this journey today!
What now?
Over the years, we've discovered that we LOVE road trips and even decided to renovate our very own little VWT4 van into a campervan to be able to enjoy vanlife and spend more time on the road. We are now the proud owners of 2 awesome little campers - one based in the UK and one that we keep in the USA. You'll often find us using one of these vans to explore Europe and North America. If you enjoy this kind of content we'd recommend checking out our Italy Road Trip series, USA vanlife series and our Japan in a Tiny Van series as well as our UK vanlife content.
Our time spent overcoming depression has influenced our outlook on life dramatically! We are now traveling the world in search of what makes us happy. We love sharing the highs and lows of our trips through our videos and hope to spread a little positivity and light to all of the beautiful people who take the time to tune in and watch each week!
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BEANS OUT!

[@TravelBeans]

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[@IAMHIM15]

Or yr the luckiest vanlifers in the world becuz yall are still alive and healthy. 🤷‍♂Depends on how yall look at it I suppose. Sorry some ppl suck. ✌

[@tommyandbellasadventures]

Brick ipad

[@DarthFurball]

Please don't support them because there is a HUGE issue with BetterHelp selling on information of their vulnerable customers and using unvetted counsellors.

[@Tennessee2012]

track the ipad

[@helencita28]

The worst thing they steal is your sense of security. I'm so sorry this happened to you!

[@lizzieb6027]

Yes, unfortunately I think whilst you have that particular van it will be difficult to get past it. Every little bit of damage is a horrible reminder. 😢 so sorry it happened to you.❤

[@conniepothas9760]

I agree.

[@ketoauntie7301]

Something to consider, Kurt & Snow here on KZbin installed 3M window tint on their Van's Windows. Someone tried breaking into their van with a brick at night while they were sleeping inside. That 3M window tint prevented the window from actually shattering to where the person could put a hand in to unlock the doors. They had to buy a new window, but the 3M product saved them that night 🙏

[@seaofclay]

You can install a security camera inside the van connected to your phone, if anything happens you will be alert on your phone. ❤

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Not their van

[@jerriecook6908]

I'm going to look into this as I have a big road trip coming up in a few months.

[@1981pjt]

You can get a security camera app and use a old cell phone as a security camera then you can use your phone to view the footage both phones need internet though

[@SharonCullenArt]

If you have a signal!

[@dianerivera3222]

It's very possible they put a child through the window and had them open the door. They also could have told anyone walking by that they'd locked themselves out or something.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Makes sense!! Terribly sad people do these things and for what gain?

[@mickstrick_91]

They sell the stuff for profit

[@user-hq1cm8vg9l]

nailed on...defo a child was pushed through, happened to me at home through a cat/dog flap....

[@jj-if6it]

They take the risk because they can talk their way out of it, and if the owners come back, just quickly leave

[@patdavis8018]

​@@mickstrick_91they steal and sell for drugs

[@helenreid4174]

We decided not to stop in San Sebastián last month after reading so many reviews on Park4Night about break-ins in broad daylight, even at the aire - including that review you read out. We haven’t ever been broken into but we do have an extremely loud (deafening actually) alarm on our van with bright blue flashing LEDs on the front and back bumpers and van alarm notices on the windows.

[@CheGypsyWay]

So sorry this happened to you.. This is what we live with in South Africa, someone is robbed here every second. I woke up at 4 in the morning in January with someone in my bedroom who held me up at knife point.. Was terrifying.

[@MidNiteBlueRose9]

I had a thief break into my wooden fence, get into my walk through door to my garage, then stall my car just before this Christmas (2023). They looted the $1000+ items inside then luckily dumped it in a nearby neighborhood. Found it a few weeks later. But it's left me paranoid and hurt because I still need those things that were in my car. On a positive note; I did get my car back and insurance did pay me for my stolen items! Almost broke even. I now have Tile gps trackers in my expensive things and many cameras in and around my house. The feeling of vulnerability will fade with time but will never quiet go away. I'm proud of you guys for staying in the van and continuing your adventure! Way to get back on the horse!

[@MidNiteBlueRose9]

@@celticwarrior777 It super sucked and still gets to me honestly. That feeling of vulnerability is hard to process. I'm very thankful that my insurance was so nice and accommodating.

[@felinetherapy4782]

Its the worse feeling. I'm sure you feel horrible about the damage to the van. Leaving loaded nappies around sounds like a great idea!

[@Noselfies-zm7dd]

I can fully understand your reluctance to leave the van, we had an attempted break in on a caravan on a campsite in Spain early 2000's. We think we may have come back just in time, the front window had been broken in an attempt to reach the latches. We reported it to the police but they just shrugged and said we had to visit another police station miles away. Then 10 years ago we had our caravan stolen off a campsite in the UK despite hitch lock, supposed angle grinder proof chains on both wheels, and additional door locks. Never to be seen again. Of course "CCTV on the campsite was not working" and again police were not really interested despite it probably being the only one of it's kind in the UK at the time and sporting French plates. They just gave us a crime number. Apart from the van we obviously lost all the contents including cameras, laptops, passports, money, clothes and electrical items. Decided never to have another caravan and switched to motorhomes but even now 10 years on we are still apprehensive about leaving it. Those sliding window locks are easy to force entry and I have made a u shaped bar that can be slipped over both sides of the lock and adds an extra bit of resistance to anyone trying to force it open. Also have CCTV with motion detection and a tracker, both which give an immediate alert if there is movement, people or van and Fiamma safe doors on every orifice. But in reality it doesn't really matter how many steps you take to secure your van if they want to get in or steal it they will find a way, it just makes it a little harder and less attractive if there are easier targets nearby. Just one thing everyone should check on their insurance policy and that is how much the contents are covered for. Whist we eventually (took six months) got a good pay out for the van the contents was a miserable £500 not even covering one camera. You live and learn. Another cautionary note. Now I'm not sure whether this could happen in the UK but I think it's worth being aware. Our caravan was insured in France with one of the international insurance companies - or so we thought, as that was the name on the policy. After making the claim and not hearing anything for a month I visited the local office where we had arranged the policy and quickly felt I was being given the run around and couldn't get any information as to the progress on the claim. Another month went by and another visit to the office and some very heated exchanges when they said they could do no more and we would just have to wait. This is when I started to get really annoyed and reported all this publicly on the Insurers Facebook page. All of a sudden the local office was back on the case but still being evasive. I finally got out of them that they had farmed the insurance out to another insurer that I had never heard of and that was the reason they couldn't progress the claim. Eventually I got the name of the other insurer out of them but they too were just as evasive. It took another 3 months before I eventually discovered that they too had passed the insurance on to a third company and again I had to fight to get the name of the other company from them. I then contacted the third insurer direct and I have to say they were excellent, and settled the claim very favourably without further complications. Needless to say the first insurer lost my car, caravan and home insurance as a result.

[@neoanderson726]

I was in a car accident once ... I was bit frazzled when the tow truck compnay came to tow it away when I went back a coupld of days to get things of value like my pepper spray and all my loose change and quarters for the tolls ... the tow truck operator stole everything that was somewhat valuable...

[@lauraweiss7875]

So sorry this happened. It’s a good reminder to everyone who either leases out a van or takes a lease on one to make sure liability is spelled out in the lease agreement AND the liable party is fully insured.

[@cocinadesign]

With a sliding door or window, something like a stick or rod that you can place in the track to prevent the window from sliding may help to ease your mind ( and if visable, may act as a deterrent). All the best.

[@rjb7775]

Buy a broken camera and tablet like ipad. Put it in cupboard and hide your own ones well. The thieves will want to get in and out quickly. They can then steel the broken items, thinking they have been successful.

[@jartotable]

You have to report it so that the owners have a number for insurance claims. This is why I'm going to only have small windows in my van with anti-smash window film on side passenger windows. Anything to make it harder.

[@rb9580]

Sorry to hear about this. I had the tail-gate window of my 4x4 smashed and my bags stolen, parked on-street in the South of France. Nothing of value taken, but losing all the clothes right at the start of the holiday was a pain, fortunately I had washed some clothes at the camp site the night before, so at least had a change of clothing. The 1,600 mile drive home to the North of Scotland with a sheet of polythene for a rear windscreen wasn't a lot of fun. Five years later I was till finding bits of broken glass in the rear of the car. After that I was pretty nervous of leaving the car parked anywhere, especially with no rear window, but you gradually adapt and the fear subsides. As you say, it's all just "stuff" and can be replaced.

[@mrsbeensaved]

Ugh! So frustrating! We’re so glad you’re all ok.

[@TravelBeans]

Thank you

[@awoodward37]

What are the odds of a camper van that are usually loaded with portable electronics and personal items that are parked in public locations being done over after they watch you load up all the stuff you need for a nice long walk. "If only you could install an alarm system that include cameras that could send an alert to your mobile phone!"

[@teddies1989]

So sorry to hear this news. I’ve actually caught someone that was still in my vehicle when I came out to go to work. I scared them so badly that they climbed back out of the broken glass window. I yelled “I hope your mama’s proud of you”. They left their crowbar behind.

[@hjpinternet1244]

stay away from built up areas will help…… but you need to keep valuables with you at all times. Spain and Portugal have big problems. Dogs on board stickers might help !

[@wendyerway]

Sorry to hear, we are currently in the picos mountains. I did read up about the area and avoided it. We were broken into when we lived on a boat, in UK near bloxwich. I felt the boat rock, bolted out of bed put my wax jacket and boots on chased a group down the rd with lump hammer in my hand. They broke into the kids bedroom. Reported it to to the police and was told if I catch them to throw them into the canal as they were sick and tired of them. I did catch up with them a few days later and told them what would happen if they came anywhere near my family again. Never saw them again, other than to be told a few months later they had been arrested and all given custodial sentences. Don't let it put you off, just learn from this and move on it does get easier, but it will also always be with you. It's horrible.

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. The most important is that you weren't hurt and that the van is still drivable. Safe travels to you.

[@LifeistooshortCK]

So sorry to see this happen. Learning point for us all that locking cupboards can lead to a lot of damage. Glad you didn’t lose any original footage. Kit can be replaced but footage can’t. We had our car done 4 times in the New Forest many years ago. Totally put us off leaving the vehicle. In the end we were leaving everything open so thieves could see in. Eventually the nerves wear off. Keep in mind these thieves don’t want an encounter, just your stuff. ☹️

[@stefansoder6903]

I'm thinking of stop locking my van and put a sign on the window saying "it' open - please feel free to go inside and have a look! No valuables inside!"... It's the damage that is the worse. I never leave valuables in the van.

[@norma2310]

I can relate, Our home was broken in thru kitchen window on Christmas Eve while away at a Xmas Eve family dinner and the thief opened all the gifts under the tree and took the valuable ones, but, the worst is the feeling your left with that awful energy lingering in the air of being violated. It’s crazy after so many years, this feeling resurfaces every Christmas.

[@alanclouser540]

That’s awful glad you all are safe ❤

[@dianesilverstein6475]

I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're all safe.

[@alexandracarter1408]

sigh. SO sorry this happened to you. My story is similar - left the car for 20 mins! and then discovered that the area was completely run through with car break-in thieves and felt so foolish. Ours happened in San Francisco, when we'd decided to take a quick walk in the park that's across from the "sisters" houses (whatever they're called?). In the time it took us to walk fully around the park, stare at the houses for 1-2 minutes and then head back to the car, someone had broken the window and taken daughters cheap school-issue chromebook (the only thing visible in the car). I'd nearly left my bag since it was such a quick thing we were doing. So lucky it was something that was easy to replace.

[@sherryschumacher1881]

Many years ago, our vehicle was broken into while parked overnight at a nice hotel. Thankfully there wasn't any damage, just theft of items worth several thousand dollars that were stored deep inside the trunk of the car. Several other vehicles were broken into as well besides ours. We now empty out any and everything of value from the vehicle when parked overnight. I'm so sorry this happened to you guys but like you said, you are safe and that is what is important.

[@NorthernAnt]

Where was that?😮

[@sherryschumacher1881]

@@NorthernAnt Minneapolis

[@craftyourwaytopeace]

I can't even imagine what you guys feel & think you're both very brave but smart to rip the band aid off & get back on the horse, as they say. We're more than glad that y'all are safe!!!!❤❤❤

[@NakedWanderings]

You definitely are the most persistent van lifers we know. Just wish we hadn't seen this video only days before we're going to do van life in Spain

[@treelimbtlc]

So sorry you had to go through this, but so glad you are all safe.

[@jamesmattoon9479]

In my years as a gardener, i had my vans broken into several times and had many tools stolen ; also most houses i have ever lived in were eventually burgled !! So that is just life, normal irritating life !! If you wait long enough the S..T will eventually hit the fan !! Let's hope for you, there must be some good luck in credit for the future somehow ! Thanks . J

[@veronicamurphy9535]

If this happens often: you should look into a dash cam. I have the Rove. You can view while away from your van on your smart phone, laptop or desktop. It has 3 cameras with Wide view. Night vision, audio, GPS, Speedometer tracking and so much more. The views are front, rear, and cabin. It’s very small. Comes with everything you need. Wire are very LONG. of course you can’t see them. I like being able to open the app and view all videos/pics from all 3 cams and I send the dash cam pics/vids just as I would if I was sending a pic/vid from my iPhone to an email or as a text message. Easy to use and definitely worth it.

[@NLR759]

Yes, good to have in the event of an accident as well.

[@CathyDouglss]

So sorry hopefully all will be good for the rest of your trip!!! Safe travels!!!💕

[@veedubya4636]

So sorry you had to go through that. I pray the rest of your journey is more peaceful.

[@robertmackenzie5850]

Alex the thieves were probably sitting in the cafe watching you and waited for you to leave .

[@CheGypsyWay]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@robertmackenzie5850]

@@CheGypsyWay Actually it’s one of the worst places to leave a car of van . Seen the same thing happen in the UK , cafes are good places to for thieves to watch .

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

I bet it was a child that climbed in through the small window. Not all thieves are grown ups. (See Oliver Twist, Fagin's gang etc).

[@CheGypsyWay]

Agreed.. People need to realize they being watched all the time. It's the way it is where I live, In a tiny village town, we being watched all the time, they know when we leave our houses to go shopping, that's when they'll break in.. in broad daylight .. Here they actually don't care if you home or not, they still break in.. I was held up at knife point, I woke up in the early hours of the morning to find someone in my bedroom.

[@TravelBeans]

😮 This hadn’t even crossed our minds!

[@Chrispy1990ful]

Every time I see a campervan conversion video and I see people cutting a big hole in the wall for a window I shake my head. The complaints about vanlife are always security, cold, lack of privacy, and noise. All of which can be better if you don't cut a big hole in your metal walls to put in a big piece of glass. And the more popular living in a van becomes the more vans become targets for thieves.

[@sophiemarcaurele]

I guess you're not familiar with the concept of RV double pane acrylic windows, with thermal screens. Add a security bar going across on the inside, you just solved all the issues you mention - and added light, ventilation and views to the van experience 🤔🫡🚐🪛

[@debbiedennison]

So very sorry for the break in and the loss in your family. I hope you were able to relax and enjoy some of the rest of your time on the trip.

[@phileasley5987]

So sorry that the van got broken into. Stay safe!!

[@stephengneri2136]

while very upsetting, as long as you guys and the baby are safe, you are Good~~~! sending love and light.

[@k.j.2481]

Life is constantly changing. Being in another country when bad things happen is so hard. Praying for safety and piece of mind for all of you. 😮

[@Patricia-ps4yh]

So sorry guys!, glad you are all safe. It's a horrible feeling, it makes you feel violated. I hope whatever you decide you don't lose your joy!

[@KimannChessa]

That's terrible. That is my worst nightmare in my truck camper. I have seen other KZbinrs who had van break-ins in Spanish cities. I am happy you are all right and continuing your trip. Enjoy despite the lousy crap in the world.

[@americanberran2527]

Really sorry that happened to you. Glad you were able to get back on the horse. I hope you can still enjoy the trip back. Hang in there.

[@melissamoeller9608]

❤I’ve had a former home robbed. They absolutely ransacked the place. It was definitely traumatic. It will probably hit you in different ways at different times. Especially since the poor owner will be experiencing it all. Also just dealing with the “business side” of things is tough. Don’t be surprised if you are feeling hard things along the way. That’s normal. Let yourselves have the grace to do whatever you need to feel safe and comforted. I’m just so glad that you’re all safe!

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Oh I’m really sorry to hear that you were broken into. I get that you wouldn’t want to go far from the van now. I understand how you feel that you have been violated 😢When I was 18 (a long time ago! ) I had a camera for my birthday. We went on holiday to Minorca and the camera and bag was stolen from a hire car that my family had hired. We had only stopped for a few minutes to visit a monument. I was devastated and can still remember to this day. As you said at least it was only some of your electronics that were stolen. I hope the owner was ok with you. Take care. Nick

[@mickstrick_91]

Happened to us on our very first night in Spain. Again broken window latches. we were only gone for 20 minutes. Couple weeks after we were feeling better. But that was 4 years ago and still annoys us. In spain you must park in a secure compound if near any built up area that isn't in the countryside, and always check the park4night reviews before you stay

[@jackie8357]

As long as your health and safety is intact I would say you're doing pretty well - certainly you've had horrid luck - but Emma was unscathed in the fire and you were not physically confronted, im sure the owner of the van is just grateful you guys weren't hurt, everything else is fixable - here's hoping you feel better ❤️‍🩹 soon - big hugs

[@ROBINstrawBERRYwine]

I totally 100% know and feel your pain,frustration,anger and fear,I have lived in my home for 20+ years,I work nights(10pm-7am)at our local hospital,5 months ago I went to work one night,came home the next morning to see my living room window out and my heart sank 💔😫😢😞 everything had been touched and moved,heirlooms taken and a fireproof box with all my personal information taken along with my sense of security and safety 🥲😔

[@donnawilde9853]

im so sorry you have been broken into , it happened to me and my family after moving to a new area we had never lived in . it was an horrendous feeling and was very scared to leave the house for a very long time , then when we did everyone looked suspicious to us . We ended up moving back to our little village where we grew up and felt safe , but we have never really got over it and do certain things to this day to feel safe going out . Take care and enjoy the rest of your trip xx

[@RabbieMcCrabbie-do4tt]

Thanks for sharing your cautionary tale. Especially your perspective on the bigger picture of what is truly important. Life on the road has plenty of ups and downs and you handled this perfectly. I don't recommend the Nappy security system though.

[@susanhochstrasser4975]

Oh my, thanks for sharing. We are driving our camper van to the same area this May. We will definitely keep our guard up. Hope the costs are minimal and that you could enjoy the rest of your trip. Happy Easter

[@slowmadders]

Grr, thieving buggers, sorry this happened to you guys, and even worse that it's not your own van as I can imagine you feel really bad for the owner too! We had our self-converted Citroen Relay broken into in Bari, Italy back in May last year, this was the day we were catching a ferry to Albania. It happened during the day too, in a fairly busy area, we'd left the van for 3 hours on a Saturday to kill some time before our ferry. But the area was known for break-ins, hindsight is a beautiful thing! It's a really horrible feeling and we were thankful we got to leave the country the day it happened, it felt like closure for us! But we were on edge for the next couple of weeks and lived the high life in some campsites until we felt OK again. With our van, they gained entry through the passenger side window by completely smashing it through, and climbing in using the petrol filler door. We have deadlocks on all doors which made it more difficult for them to exit, but the damage was already done. It was difficult to source a replacement window for the van in Albania so we continued to drive around with the window boarded up with OSB board until our return to the UK in November!

[@sheerkhanful]

When I was young, our apartment was broken into, ransacked and robbed. That was decades ago and I still remember that feeling of being violated.

[@vikkilawson27]

I sure am glad that you weren't in the van when someone was breaking in! But it is still sad! 😢

[@rachaellafriniere9349]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you all.

[@donc5786]

Sorry to hear of this. When you return to your own vans, consider installing security cams both inside and out. Proudly display signs say that they are on camera.

[@elicheale1782]

Spain.... Another van traveller we follow got stalked too in Northern Spain while staying over night in a car parking, almost the same area 😢, be careful beans

[@TravelBeans]

Oh my goodness that’s so scary 😟 Thanks 🙏

[@Bel-ej9go]

I think you were in the wrong place at the wrong time but right time for those thieving scum bags..they must have seen you also had a baby on board, hopefully you’ll enjoy the rest of your trip…

[@stuckinmopro8533]

My son is a computer professional who had a lot of very expensive equipment in his home. When it got broken into they ignored all of those things because it didn’t look like items that would be found at the average computer store (I.e. an iPad or your Switch) they left them. So they took a few thousand dollars of stuff and left $20,000/$30,000 worth of equipment. Thankfully thieves aren’t usually to bright!

[@TravelBeans]

That’s lucky! Although still an awful thing to have happened 💛

[@nutsandy7183]

Its more bright when you think about it… small electronic goods can be hidden easier, carried easier and wont be out of place in day to day life. Theres always someone to fence those goods to where as specialist stuff would be quite easy to track down with a miniscule customer base andsuspicious without documentation.

[@mickstrick_91]

They just want stuff thats easy to sell

[@Dan-xx5jq]

low level drug addicts that hang around the corner.

[@The2wanderers]

I don't think it's that they're dumb. They know what they can fence. People buying $20-30k commercial equipment aren't looking on Craigslist for a deal. And given that it's unusual equipment, likely much easier to get caught.

[@bethcrowther5590]

We had the same happen to us in France, Colmar. We had left the van for under 2 hours, parked in a specific motorhome carpark with many others. Came back to find we'd been broken into and had things stolen. It's very upsetting but we carried on with our holiday and wrote it off as bad luck. Didn't park anywhere but campsites after that 😢

[@fitnessteacher1845]

We are on our first ever campervan holiday. And it's your videos that inspired us. So much fun. Harsh weather, snow, narrow lanes, cosy nights. So many friendly (and not so friendly) characters. A huge thank you to the both of you.

[@jeffbeats420]

Those window latches can be conquered with a butter knife. They were common in the 90s and 00s.

[@TravelBeans]

Interesting.. we’ve been so curious how they did it

[@wardarcade7452]

I'm sorry that you all had that horrible experience of having your van broken into. I know that there are no guarantees in this world but I hope you all will not let that awful experience derail your love for exploration and sharing those experiences with your little one. It's going to take some time to not only repair/replace what was damaged/stolen but to regain your equilibrium. Yes, I know that this will be much easier said than done but that doesn't mean it CAN'T be done- and you all HAVE achieved some amazing things down the years that others had considered impossible or out of reach. Please take comfort in the fact that you all HAVE overcome other obstacles and setbacks in the past and use that knowledge to gain strength to overcome this awful setback to emerge stronger and wiser thereafter! Take care!

[@user-iu6nu7ht3w]

Sorry to see this! Glad your all ok tho x

[@kerryharder2416]

I am so sorry about what has happened to you. It is good that you are all safe and healthy.

[@johnwillson2603]

You have my sympathies. It was a year ago today that we were attacked in our van, parked in the country outside Naples. We were not harmed, but it took about 6weeks for us to recover.

[@TravelBeans]

Oh my goodness I’m so sorry to hear this. We are so thankful that it was just material things stolen from us.. sending lots of love to you. I imagine something like that would definitely take some time to recover from 💛

[@barryhumphries4514]

So sorry you got broken into and hope the owner can repair the damage OK! Obviously, the. Local Police need to patrol that area more often. You can imagine the perpetrators may have been in the café opposite and perhaps saw you leave. 😢

[@les9920]

Sorry to hear this has happened to you. I was watching another van life video this morning that was in Spain also and they made the comment that Spain is notorious for campervan burglary. It makes sense to have cctv in the van along with an alarm system if not fitted.

[@johnwillson2603]

Btw, we are paradise plodders

[@kookietherapy9398]

What's a paradise plodder ???

[@debstye-duck]

Awww so sorry to read this, we are currently driving through France heading to Spain. We are constantly being vigilant because we have our cat on board! And we don’t want to lose her! I hope the rest of your journey goes better ❤

[@frannharrison4204]

I am so sorry you had to go through this.

[@chrisriddles9460]

Many vans have movement alarm sensors in the van which go off if someone enters the van without unlocking it. Something you might consider when you get to buy your next van.

[@pamelalambe1356]

Glad you keeping perspective. Terrible unfair thing to have happen to you guys. I have had my house broken into, and everything touched - even mattress moved, food in the fridge all tipped over ick, everything rummaged through, and I felt so I don't know is gross, people were everywhere. That was the worst part, not what was stolen or broken. And that they get away with it, is unbelievable. We had a family living in our basement apt. with keys to the house as look after our cat ( who was in their apt. with their cat at the time) , but in broad daylight, in good neighourhood, when they were out at work, the thieves broke in. Have to not let them win , so the next weekend we were off camping again. Took awhile to get over the worry. Please enjoy your trip. Wish you all the best.

[@TravelBeans]

So sorry to hear this, that must be absolutely awful. I can’t imagine how long it must take to recover from something like this happening in your own home. Sending love 💛

[@bringmeblueskies]

hugs ❤

[@Camillediadeverde]

I live in Spain and unfortunately this happens to vans a lot in certain areas and you don’t always know what is a bad area. So sorry this has happened to you, it so awful when you know people have been in your space. 🥲🥺❤️

[@WhereRVGoing]

I am deeply sorry about the break-in at your van (home). It must be a terrible experience to have your belongings stolen and privacy violated. However, I am relieved to know that none of you were harmed and everyone is safe. Please don't let this incident bring you down. Keep smiling and stay strong. Remember that you have my love and support.

[@MsSmcinerney]

I am so sorry this has happened to you. Watching and wanting to cry for you 😢

[@user-xs9pe1ut6x]

I know how you feel 😢😢. I've been robbed before my home. So sad. I'm sorry. You feel so invaded ❤❤❤

[@TravelBeans]

So sorry to hear that happened to you in your home 💔 that’s awful

[@jannyholm8630]

so sorry your van was broken into. it's amazing how bold people can be these days to just take what doesn't belong to them.

[@notme123123]

Sorry you guys had to deal with this. Best wishes for the rest of your trip.

[@sharonaddison809]

so sorry Beans, this is just awful. Take care for the rest of your journey xx

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Totally with you on the windscreen cover! 😊 I have one similar and would be doing just that! 6 yrs full time nomad and no break- ins, still fully intact, thankfully!! 🤞🍀😊

[@lynnmorris4361]

Almost 20 years ago my new van was broken into on a motorway Aire in France. I was asleep in the back when the passenger door opening woke me up. I shouted and they ran off. The only thing stolen was a pair of broken binoculars that were hanging on the arm of the passenger swivel chair, which was turned around, putting the binoculars on that side door. You feel violated when things like this happen and I really feel for you. Don't let it put you off, I didn't and I'm still using a campervan now though only in the UK.

[@neilparker2535]

So sorry to hear of the break in why don’t you try to find a local carpenter and get it all fixed for the owner I’m sure it will be fairly cheap and what a lovely thing to do but try not to worry and keep up the good work cheers Neil

[@CannyBlether-dz6hj]

I hope you’re putting this all behind you and doing well. I hope the repairs were easy and done quickly for the owner. It’s sad people do these things, don’t let them ruin your life or travels 😊😊😊

[@WagnerGimenes]

So sorry for you guys. Don't lose your love for travelling, please. BTW, an old trick is to put a chopstick in the track where the glass slides. It would stop them from opening the glass so easily (although it wouldn't stop them from smashing the glass, like someone did with the other camper in this same video.

[@marthabaez8117]

Or even better, a metal straw!👍

[@lamoinette23]

perhaps they wouldn't smash the window in broad daylight with people around but you just never know. this is one of the things that's worrisome to me, as if i start traveling in a van i will have pets with me and always scary what can happen then. stuff is replaceable but pets are not.

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@lamoinette23 Get a recording of an angry dog barking loudly, and hook it up to a sound activated switch. If someone opens the window the switch is activated and the burglar hears the sound of the dog. I can almost guarantee they would think twice about entering the van.

[@lamoinette23]

@@CB-xr1eg good idea.. but what if they look in and don't see a dog?

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@lamoinette23 Close all the curtains so they can't look in.

[@noelbowerman1562]

I feel for you guys ,i was in a motel once ,the door was picked ,and the thiefs walked around, while we were all sleeping and picked up wallets ,watches etc ,not just us ,but multiple rooms ,to this day 20+ years ago ,i still wake up if i hear a bump or sound ,it never leaves you.

[@nealart]

I definitely know that violated feeling when my house got broken into. Makes you more cautious. As far as your vehicle damage, the good thing about building something is you also know how to repair something.

[@WendyPrescott]

Take care and keep safe and try to enjoy the rest of your journey.

[@BMW7series251]

As an ex-camper I feel SO sorry for you all. Hope all goes well in the future. Love, John.

[@tonyhawk123]

Look on the bright side (relatively). A break-in is more to do with the area than the home. At least with a home on wheels it can be moved and the victims minds reset to some extent. With a fixed home there is the concern the thieves will return.

[@TravelBeans]

Completely agree. After this experience we can’t imagine the feeling of this happening to your home 💛

[@itscarolinemary]

Sending love ❤ I hope the owner dealt with the news alright.

[@craigmelvin5206]

sorry this has happened to you. In the uk our work vans get broken into all the time - afraid to park anywhere. power tools - they love to take and lots of damage to do it -its all wrong

[@tracygurr8771]

What a world we live in, that it can happen in broad daylight and on a busy road. It's shocking. People moan about CCTV but I think it should be all over the place in public areas. Glad you are all ok though. xx

[@60something4]

Cameras are great but with politics and activists whining, police are ineffective, the courts are ineffective and illegal immigration which combined are extremely problematic for hard working, law abiding citizens.

[@snafufubar]

​@60something. The vast majority of crime is by locals not immigrants. I used to work in our local courthouse so I am speaking from real experience not something from media.

[@user-ln1ci3ng5p]

Cameras ARE all over the place and still the police don’t bother looking at them unless someone is murdered!!

[@60something4]

@@snafufubar There has been a number of cases in the media, but I am speaking from what was told to me from family members in New York, NYPD and New Jersey, NJPD, who also stated there is more illegals happening than are being reported as well as the number of crimes in my area by illegals which is growing. Nonetheless, in my comment I mention police and courts being ineffective first then added “and” illegal immigrants. Due to politics and activists, recidivism is high and numerous criminals, citizens, are not being prosecuted at all. Ice is not being called in when illegals commit crimes, and many of them are being released almost as soon as they are arrested. That being said with millions of illegals, the majority who do not qualify for asylum status, (single men between the ages of 18 and 40 committed a crime just entering the country illegally, not to mention the gotaways, gang members and those working for the Cartels. If you do some research you will find illegal immigration is a problem in most Western countries. I had not even mentioned the fentanyl crisis in America alone, over 300 American die daily from fentanyl poisoning, which is either being brought across the border illegally or the components and made here, and the majority of those involved in that endeavor are not American citizens.

[@noelbowerman1562]

They are pretty useless ,the thieves are always covered up with face masks and hoodies

[@randy1203]

Im so sorry you had to go through the disgusting dirty feeling of being robbed, your personal space being invaded. Absolutely disgusting!! Im glad your all ok. I've been a victim too! Such a dirty feeling. There are 2 things in life that i detest, A liar, and a theif!!

[@TravelBeans]

So sorry to hear this has happened to you too.. it’s such a weird feeling knowing someone has been rummaging around in the space that you sleep

[@DaveRoss-hl3vj]

The most aggravating thing is when someone steals something from you and the law does nothing, or screws it up so you can't get your things back I've had two 325 gallon water tanks, fencing wire and poles taken, and sadly I can't get any of it back

[@MimsieSky]

I’m so sorry this happened to you! I used to live in Brooklyn and the apartment I lived in was broken into twice (we assume by the same people). The first time my room was the only one hit. We were on the third floor and they climbed over a fire escape not an open window. After we fixed that, the second time, they came in through the skylight in one of the bedrooms. Insane. They stole some jewelry that my grandmother had left to me and my laptop. I still lived there for a little while after, but to this day I worry about people breaking in. It’s just such a yuck feeling. I hope you’re able to enjoy the rest of your trip!

[@grinner1688]

Two of the nicest people I’ve come across in the last…. God knows. And that happens. Hang in there guys. Hopefully, things pick up.

[@EvaVilla-pm5mv]

I had just moved into a new apartment. I hadn’t unloaded a box of albums. All first additions of Elvis. And my whole car was stolen with my collection. I didn’t even care about the car just give me my albums. Every time I go into a parking lot and can’t find my car quickly I panic. This happened years ago.

[@TravelBeans]

Oh no! It’s stuff like this that hits hardest.. the irreplaceable stuff. So sorry to hear this. 💛

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

So sorry to see that happen to you guys. You don't deserve this. Fortunately, your valuables were not taken. Sometimes, it's just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. But don't let it get to you. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Hopefully, one day you will look back at this and laugh at it. You guys have a great sense of humor. That will carry you well into your old age. A great idea a commenter mentioned is a portable security camera tied to your phone. Be Well. Stay Safe. 🥰🥰 from Love Beans Harriet, Jim and Yuki

[@cathyg1891]

Sorry guys you’ve had to go through that. You’ve got a really good positive outlook. Xx

[@Alun49]

I have had my flat burgled, cars stolen, bags stolen. It is so upsetting when it happens. My flat was burgled by my next-door neighbour! He was caught, but my laptop and the rest was not found. All this happened in Birmingham when I lived there. Now I live in a village in Oxfordshire and it feels much safer.

[@TravelBeans]

Oh my goodness! That is absolutely heartbreaking to hear your neighbour did that to you. Glad you managed to move somewhere you feel more safe 🙏

[@Alun49]

@@TravelBeans Yes, he had a drug problem it seems. There was a connecting fire escape door into my flat from his. This was a converted house made into flats, hence this bizarre design feature. The carpet got caught in the fire escape door as he exited, which is how I knew it was him. It took the police a few days to catch him though. I felt quite sorry for him, although the consequences for me where quite serious and inconvenient to say the least!

[@awoodward37]

".... but now, everyone in the Oxfordshire village is now watching the strangers from the crime ridden area of Birmingham."

[@Alun49]

@@awoodward37 I wish that was not true....

[@suzieq2958]

​@@Alun49some parts of Oxfordshire are bad too now, although we also live in a safer part 😊

[@alangauld6079]

I've had my car broken into a couple of times. One one occasion at a nature reserve and they stole my camera bag with around £2000 worth of kit. It was out of sight but I suspect they'd seen me getting out with my camera and long lens and guessed there would be more... But the whole tidying up of broken windows and reporting to police etc left me feeling bad for 2 or 3 days after. My sympathies to you and the owner.

[@ketoauntie7301]

When we went to Costa Rica a few years ago, locals warned us NOT to leave any valuables in the rental Car because thieves loitered around all tourist spots. It was a pain to hike with our electronics on us in our backpacks. We also had to take turns getting in the spring water because of carryimg our backpacks. In Greece the housekeeper will leave your hotel room balcony door unlocked so the thieves can easily get into your room. We asked for no housekeeping during the short stay in Athens, however, the housekeeper still came in while we were out & she left the balcony door wide open. We asked her why she came in & left the door open, her reply "I was airing out your room"! Fortunately, we had only gone around the block to buy bottled water & were only gone 20 minutes. We explained what happened to the front desk manager & were disappointed in their not honoring our no housekeeping request.

[@user-oi3su7sw5n]

​@@ketoauntie7301y'all so gullible

[@NorthernAnt]

Which country?

[@alangauld6079]

@@NorthernAnt Near Motherwell in Scotland.

[@NorthernAnt]

@@alangauld6079 awww nightmare, what are your thoughts on stealth camping now? I’m thinking of getting a caddy but I’ve heard similar stories to yours, is yours a big van? Anything which could be recommended to prevent this

[@mindyedwards7576]

Hope you're all ok and got home safely and that the van owner was understanding.

[@joanfelt8069]

So really sorry for this to happen really in nerving . Take care we love following you .❤❤❤