BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

Might work, these guys went through the SUV so anything hidden would have been found. They even took his little toiletry bag so he couldn't brush his teeth until he bought a new one. Were gonna make a box that kinda follows the inside dimensions of the Range Rovers cargo area. It won't be too easy to get into what we are planning unless you have a Plasma Cutter or some C4. We want something that is just tall enough for the camera bags but not too tall so a custom box is in order. Stay tuned, when I build it I will post pic's.

Carioca

Well, let's just think about that for a second. Did the alarm blaring get ANYONE'S attention this time? It's a bit more noticeable than a plasma cutter, don't you think? So if it didn't get the thief caught this time, why do you think it's going to be different next time?

And what happens if they steal the car with the box inside?

You don't need a box to solve this problem. Just a little common sense.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

Seriously you can't take a hint huh? WOW common sense yeah buddy?

2much2carry Loc: Monterey CA

You might consider getting one or more bio-hazards material boxes marked with "viruses" -- open only in controlled environment or some such. Add a bio-hazard material warning sign on the outside of the trunk or bumper. Another option is to put the gear under the rear seat of the car, given space, for the optics/camera. Thirdly, leave a "honeypot" camera bag in the trunk containing defective camera junk. Let them be attracted to it to steal.

workhorse Loc: Nashville, TN

Construction business retired here. 20K + tools in truck all the time. Over the years I used two things, A van with no side windows and good alarm system and a Chevy Colorado with a cabhigh topper with no windows; topper had doors on sides for easy access. You have to learn to drive using side mirrors though but with locks and alarms never missed anything. Have lost 15K in one night before the locks and alarms, etc.

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

Just don't respond to Carioca and he'll quit. You keep giving him fuel to argue with. I learned a long time ago that it takes two to argue and once you start arguing you lose.
Ignore him.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

If we could fix a few really big things, like the economy and the drug culture, we could get a larger handle on this. Not gonna happen.
So, we can only look for individual solutions.

What may your friend have done wrong? Lot's of discussion here about personal choice.

Physical security of the vehicle... Strongbox...perhaps.

I contend, wrong car/vehicle. Range Rover screams money. To knowledgeable people it also screams stupidity in choice. Notoriously unreliable vehicle that also screams "Conspicuous Consumption". Ever heard that term? It stands for a "slap in the face" poke at lesser class people. Personally I know a person who is a fair to middling mechanic. But he makes a ton of money because he restricts his clientele to people who drive high end vehicles, primarily to flaunt income status or wealth. He makes his biggest income by specializing in Range Rovers. Very high priced, very costly to maintain, and not even a really good vehicle for the wild. Simply a ride to flaunt one's supposed "success".

So, I'm saying your friend WAS in fact targeted... by his choice of vehicle. Furthermore, everybody any more drives SUV's and other vehicles where nothing can be hidden, and a broken window facilitates entry to the entire interior of the vehicle. A sedan with a real trunk is FAR more secure in this respect, and if one has to show off, there are still high end vehicles to be a "Conspicuous Consumer" that also have trunks that lock, and could still have the trunk committed to a lockbox.

To me, the problem in this tale of woe is a security problem. Aside from all else, your friend increased his risk by being WAY TOO visible.

We probably won't see a decrease in this kind of activity until some very out of control social issues are dealt with in our society. So as individuals at risk, it behooves us to handle our own problems. If a risk assessment were done here, I'd put the Range Rover at the top of the list. It's far too insecure physically, and screams out for attention as in "Look at Me. I've arrived at the place of "conspicuous consumption" and have all kinds of money to throw around for maintenance as well".

Change the ride. A place to start.

chrishove123 Loc: South Wales

Bit of a stupid thing to do wasn't it to leave K20s worth of gear in the car. In Britain they even treat you like idiots in car parks with signs telling you not to leave valuables in the car as there are thieves about.

camerabuff58 Loc: Ontario, Canada,

How about in the trunk..out of sight,out of mind.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

You might check hunting and fishing stores, I remember seeing something like that for guns in sport u's, a few years age, perhaps Cabelas catalogue, not so much armor as camoflage, shallow and covered with a carpet similar to the one in the vehicle, Bob.

mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

before you leave the house and the car is in the garage put the gear that your not using into the trunk not in open view. if you have to go some where else to use the other gear find a "safe" place to change gear. never change gear in front of anybody.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

check out some of the forensic supply companies like Sirchie, they may have premade boxes. Also Galls police supply has steel boxes that fit in S
UV's and trunks of cars that hold equipment and even weapons securely.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

Other than having an armoured vehicle all vehicles are a target for breakins,I think a good idea would be to get armoured glass or bullet proof glass installed as that would be a good first line of defence as well as a large steel box bolted/welded in the boot.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

What's your budget?

I have a pro shooter friend, who also does video work for networks and frequently works in DC and NYC, who outfitted his whole SUV with a steel bar cage. Might not be practical for you, but maybe your friend with the Range Rover if he frequently carries so much.

Chuy Loc: OUT OF TOWN

I would leave all unused gear at home so they can rob it there. At least there they could get something to eat and drink. Show some consideration.