MOVING ON FROM VAN ATTACK WHAT NEXT 

I have enormous sympathy for you, being a motorhomer. Don't let the b....ds grind you down. The world is full of lovely people! like yourselves.

I think the key word came at the start of this video, when you said "Vandals". That is an important point, it was not an attack against you both personally, it was not to hurt you both, it was a mindless random attack. Sick youngsters having their idea of fun. After all you have endured in your Life, no wonder this affected you so much. I am a former Royal Marine and have had experience of being woken from sleep etc to suddenly face violence, even with my training, they were frightening events. I think you are two marvellous People and are doing very well under the circumstances. Forward planning, setting yourself goals, discussing things calmly, spot on. Love to you both. I still believe in Life that there are more good People than bad.

Some very good points made there. Thank you

I think you are a lovely example of love and positivity. Take care, enjoy your camping x

Hello 👋 Some really good points in this video !! (Thanks) My own thoughts are; for every “electronic” device you have, ALWAYS have a “mechanical” device to match it !! It will help keep your mind at rest when you are away from the van. However, you must also remember - in a catastrophic situation and just need to get away - always try and work out what you do first !! You both should have a tested routine if the 💩 hits the fan - (IE) you both know EXACTLY what each other is going to do first to get you out of the “challenging environment you are in” “Like a first aid fire drill” Everyone who is a member of the team has a job to do in an emergency situation !! PRACTICE IT OFTEN !! TALK ABOUT IT OFTEN !! I like the idea of “beefing” up the outside, with “additions visually” Happily the probability of this ever happening to you again is in your favour and - it hopefully 🙏 is unlikely !! I think I will have some thoughts on “clear perplex” for the cab at night. Once you pull the window blinds, you could magnetise the perplex to the metal around inside of the cab window while sleeping 💤 If some little 💩 with a brick 🧱 throws it at your window the brick will BREAK the window - however, smack into the perplex and it will less of a “bang” and allow you a few additional minutes to gather your thoughts with regard you “tried and tested” escape plan, that you have PRACTICED many times !! You can get perplex cut to shape your windows. During the day you just put them behind “something” out of the way - also, remember at night it’s dark - you could also attach the perplex to the outside of the window - the brick 🧱 hits that first, by that time you are up - “safety plan” kicks in and you are off…. Was on Amazon the other day and found some legal “spray” you can get in the UK. If you get near the 💩 that is giving you grief spray it on them !! It takes 7 “SEVEN DAYS” to wash off !! Bought a few and are now strategically placed for short term achievement and long-term overall aims and interests. Think strategically about how best to utilize your facilities in and out of your van… On a lighter note - please 🙏, no RAMBO “T” 👚 shirts or head bands with camouflage face paint while driving from location to location !! Not your style…. 😂 Good luck - James ✌🏾

I'm one of those newly arrived subscribers who didn't know your background and I'm so sorry you've had this on top of your other serious challenges with your health and wellbeing. Working through any trauma is a process and can't be hurried, and you're being really sensible to take all the time you need. I can understand how long it might take to feel truly comfortable with Merlin again, even if you have to do it in a slightly more secure way in future. And being able to take solace in nature is so important and I certainly can relate to that. As I age and with a similar problem with extreme exhaustion, I know how restoring it can be to just interact with something that really matters, and is so healing, like the natural world. So I hope you can find a way forward and come to a point where you can continue to make use of Merlin in one way or another. Addendum. I forgot to give my other thought which is that you refer to the person(s) who did this as just vandals. Of course they committed an act of vandalism but it seems to me it was actually a crime of opportunity to grab whatever was available, and not just mindless vandalism. Maybe it would help you to process this a bit more by also considering that this was acommitted by a thief too and not just a casual vandal. Times are tough at the moment, and crimes of opportunity never easier to commit, especially in remote places. Every good wish.

Lovely to see you both feeling a bit more positive about things 💖

So happy that you are both safe. What a terrifying experience and unfortunately this will take time to get over if ever. Be safe and don’t allow this end your travels. We only live once and deserve to live our best lives. Best wishes.

Broke my heart to hear what you've been through with your cancer 🥺 I can relate to everything you said about being unwell, having ptsd and having safe places and safe people this all resonated so much for me and my daughter as we have been through very similar sadness, listening to you talk about it so openly and honestly really lifted me because your a beautiful example of there being a huge and amazing life after trauma... you'll never know how much relief and happiness knowing that has brought me so thankyou so so much, im so glad you and your lovely understanding and amazing hubby will be keep Merlin this also lifted me to hear today 🥰 you are both my inspiration, I draw so much strength and happiness watching you both, your strong and genuinely lovely souls I can't thank you enough for each and every video you put up especially these difficult ones cos you help so so many others like me. Sending you so much love and happiness and abundance my angels xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you for sharing this very difficult moment for you. You have helped many people by doing so and going back into it slowly is good just don't not move forward

I'm so glad you're continuing on with your travels,

Your "attack" video was the first of your videos that I've seen, so thank you for filling me in on your back story. Glad that you're getting back out there. Taking baby steps seems like the way to go.

Brilliant vlog, with many useful tips, thank you. So pleased you’re not giving up and look forward to seeing many more fantastic adventures with Merlin

Thanks for the tips on security. We toured the UK in a Van a couple of years ago. We are from New Zealand. We were able to join the Caravan club and enjoyed their campsites on farms etc. Tried wild camping as recommended but found very noisy and "dodgy". Also found barriers to carparks made vanning very difficult. Many places we simply couldnt visit due to these barriers. Would add that best to camp with other vans, not by yourself. We have a similar van to yours in NZ and are retired too. For this reason we only stay in club grounds or Campgrounds. There are "yobbos" everywhere. Thanks for the chat. Keep it up. All the best from downunder.

Very impressive breakdown of plans to improve your comfort and safety going forward. 👏 The motion reactive lights will be very effective. I sleep in loose sweats so that I can get outside quickly. No pajamas for me. My slippers fit well, have hard soles, and are easy to slip on, as well. I have a couple of interior lights that I've painted red. Since my windows are very darkly tinted, I am able to peek out through the curtains with the red lights on, but anyone outside can't really see inside at night. Love your flashlight, Graham. I have a similar one. I also keep my ax by the back door that I use to chop wood. I do conceal carry, but I know that's not possible in the UK. You've got the idea, though, about everyday items one can use for self-protection if need be. Here in the States, we call it boondocking when we go off grid to camp. I am careful not to boondock near populated areas as kids tend to go there to party. I make sure to drive deep into the wilderness and set up camp for a few days to a couple weeks. Kids generally don't drive out that far. At night, everything outside, such as my chair and table, are put away, and things inside are secured so I can drive off in a hurry if need be. I always park with the front of my truck facing out to avoid having to back out. Had to giggle about Merlin being too cute. I painted my truck with white truck bedliner paint. The rough knobby texture can take being scratched by branches on those narrow dirt roads much better than the factory paint. That and some other changes make it not your typical old person's rig. Of course, my truck is older and was in need of new paint. I'll be eager to see what you two come up with to make Merlin look tough. Elle, you are a fighter. As I'm sure you know bad things come our way even in the safety of our own homes. Don't let those thoughtless kids take away your joy. Happy trails!❤️

You’re empowered and strengthened !❤️

You do - what you need to do, and do at your own pace.🌸 I understand, both the mental/physical strains from cancer. Steroids put 60lbs on me, and I have lymphedema from surgery. I also have Complex PTSD (molested when a child, brutal rape as adult, watched my child be killed), so I understand anxiety, and the need for a safe place. I also understand doing what brings you Joy, now. Trying to live in the moment. My sense/concept of time has changed. Best to you, in your journey.💜🌸

Thank you for the helpful list, we will consider each item.

I wish you well in your recovery of this awful situation you were in. I only recently had a car break down and was surrounded by 14 gang of teenagers so I know that feeling of panic and fear. However like you say there are good people out there. I think there need to be a [ camping in numbers ] club as a idea. So you can see where other members are and be safer in numbers. Also a App listing safer locations and support information would help. If you can see that good will come from this is the best way to go forward. How many times does this happen and go unreported. Your RU-vid uploads have already made me aware of the potential problems. It just be good to have a app so others can give their experiences so we can all build a safer outdoor map , It's early days for you both but through your strength you are saving others from potentially going through this. All the best. Take care

A great vlog and a difficult one to film no doubt. I am so pleased you are getting back into the swing of things. This awful event means you'll upgrade/improve certain aspects of life with Merlin and that is good. You'll be safer and more secure and will undoubtedly be back on the road enjoying all the beauty of nature once again. You both are doing so well after this event, keep going ! 💕🚚

Don't sell your van, don't let a couple of yobs ruin your adventure. Just do your homework on where you can park safely, rural parking is a risk so is 24hr car parking in towns. If you can beat cancer you can beat anything 🙂. All the best to you both.

Really nice to see you out and about again. When and if you are ready to try going out and trying off grid again I’m sure we can all arrange a small meet up to help😊 you feel safer

Good to see you guys are being so positive ❤️🥰

So good to see you both getting over it, long may the progress continue. John

Hi both & poochies, Ellie I could have said that all myself about the security Merlin gives you, we got our van for similar reasons & it’s a lifeline for us. I don’t want to swamp you with a massive post, but just to say I totally understand where you’re coming from. If we ever meet & I hope one day we will, we can have a good natter about it all 😘. It looks like you’re covering all the bases well, definitely being “escape ready” is something we do when we wild camp, keys close by, driver seat in the right position & clothes nearby! I’m so glad you’ve ventured out in the van again & with each time, it will begin to feel the same as it was before 😃 Thank you so much for the shout out, I really appreciate that 😊 and was glad to have been some help. Enjoy your pub stop, we’ve never done one of those before, I’ll be interested to see how you get on. Hope you can begin to move forward & put this incident behind you & start enjoying Merlin & the freedom, security & haven he gives you ❤. Safe travels, much love. Em 💕 xxx

Well, I think you guys have figured it out. Everything sounds great! Looking forward to seeing what you guys do. Hey from Hiddenite North Carolina!!💜💚🌻🌻 By the way, I'm new to your channel. The video of the attack just popped up in my feed so I started watching. You guys have handled it very well. I hope everything works out for you so you can go back to doing what you love.

So pleased so hear you’re beginning to recovery from that horrid vandalism attack on your van. Thank you for sharing lots of helpful hints to improve your awareness and security. Only you know how docile your lovely fur babies are but an intruder doesn’t, maybe consider a ‘beware of the dogs’ sign to help as a deterrent and shouldn’t cost much. Stay safe and best wishes 🫶🏻

Hi, it's good to know you're processing what has happened and what you plan to do as you go forwards with getting back into motorhoming with confidence. I hope you never have anything like his happen again. Blessings to you both. X

So glad to see your planning to get back out there, some excellent advice on keeping safe I’ll bare in mind, thank you for sharing that with us. I feel exactly the same about the restorative effect of camping in the wild and going for a walk from there rather than just turning up in and having a walk, totally different feeling, staying in the camper makes the area feel like your home, gives a sense of belonging for me. Love your outfit Ellie, sucker for a lovely matching scarf 😊 x

Thank you for this update, I am so pleased you have decided to carry on. I am new so did not know your story. You are an inspiration and I liked the way you explained why Merlin is so important. You don't just "get over" anxiety, there are so many steps to take to get back to a stable mindset after trauma as I know from experience. One of your anchors has been lifted but you are firmly reanchoring it and carrying on and that is the answer!!! Best wishes💕

Bless you both, you've been on my mind since the vandalism. Thank you for sharing your story. 💞

Please keep in mind your van is ideal for a quick departure as you have easy access to your drivers seat without having to leave your vehicle 👍 I’m not sure if it’s available in your area but a can of bear spray can be a great deterrent to those instances when you leave your vehicle to assess any damages. I am so sorry for you both that you had to suffer through this and I hope and pray that this doesn’t totally deter you from enjoying your lifestyle ❤

New to your channel and so glad you’re trying to move on from this terrible vandalism and trauma you’ve been through.

So so glad you've been getting out in Merlin again, even if only for days out. We knew some of your story Ellie because you've mention it due to my sisters circumstances, but obviously didn't know all of it. These people don't realise the knock on effect their actions have on peoples lives. A simple act of pointless vandalism can completely change somebodies life forever. Agree about making the van ready to escape if needs be and we've been looking at cameras for outside too since your video. Stephens lights are great. When we were on Anglesey with him there were some people parked between us and him acting strange. Stephen put his big lights on and they soon scarpered lol. Well until the next one and sending you all our love and big hugs.🥰

Happy that you are getting back into cramping. Just remember, if you stop traveling in Merlin, the vandals win.

Glad to hear that you're both well and that you'll continue with your travels

Well done for sharing these issues and planning to move forward. If you are considering spending money on the van consider staying on club sites with easy reach to nature trails etc

You are so strong! Your story is so encouraging. Helps me to continue to push forward as well! So happy you won’t be selling. I’m rooting for you both! 🤗🤗🤗🤗 I know you can do it. And you will have many more adventures ahead!

You're a lovely couple. If this was your first encounter with that kind, you have been fortunate. You've had health problems so I'm pretty sure you'll both go back to having fun. soon .Peace. Japan.

Thank you for your bravery in telling your story. I hope that you are able to get back out there soon. Take care Gill

Pleased you are beginning to make the steps to move forward. I’ve been faffing with cameras for a while and not worked out what’s best to do so it feels like it belongs (all be it was looking for a ‘fit and forget’ that just works) also considering at some point in the future when selling the van, sometimes people don’t want the stuff we all put in so procrastinate a lot on anything permanent 😂 Very interesting ref having your channel on the van 🤔 Fantastic idea to carry some polythene and tape (now must remember to sort that so it becomes an actual thing done) - thank you, great tips. Look after yourselves, and wishing you all the best with your upcoming trial runs, All the best, David & Rachel.

Hi Graham and Ellie one thing you could look at is a PIR activated alarm with a dog barking instead of a siren, could be used together with PIR lights. Best of luck in your future adventures.

Only just found your channel and the news about the vandals is terrible. Hope to see your trips again once you are back out there on trips.

So sorry for your experience, thank you for giving us food for thought and a specific plan for being better prepared 💗

So pleased you're both nurturing your way back into vanlife. The event you suffered was hopefully a once in a lifetime, probably fuelled around Halloween/Mischief Night/Nov 5th activities - the silly season. For those reasons, I would have stayed clear of large urban areas on those nights, although I do know you had to undertake the journey you did that night. Like yourselves, we're wild campers and never use campsites and find park ups through google map searches. A little tedious at times, but I filter out car parks as they often prone to gatherings of some sort. Unless it's very very rural. Come spring, I'm sure you'll be both smiling again...

Hi there . I hope you get over the shock and regain your confidence.to wild camp soon. It was a one off , but the neighbouring bad areas was the reason .Check you are near nice homes when you stop that was the deciding factor. Don´t bother changing anything on the van , it could be anybodies young or old ! You are a pair of adventurers just forget about it asap. It will never happen again .Don´t let it get to you . Lots of love.

Safe travels my friends!

I would attach magnetic lights on the top of your van, aiming downwards/outwards so a person couldn't access them too easily.

Stumbled across your channel shortly before Merlin's attack. So sorry this happened to you both. Please do not let these criminals stop you from doing what you love. Glad to see that you have been out with Merlin on day trips. Remember, it's important to take baby steps and take you time to get your confidence back. We can't wait to see more of your adventures, whether on CL site or wild camping. We've done both, but majority of them were on CL sites as we are still fairly new to camping and most of the time we have our cat with us. Please look after yourselves and stay positive xxxx

Happy to see you get back into the saddle again❤hello from Australia 🚐😊👋

I follow some solo female nomads in the USA and one of them has some magnetic security lamps with motion sensors that she attaches to her vehicle when she parks up overnight. She bought them from Amazon. It is highly likely that they are available in the UK too. A tip that I have learnt from the nomads who wild camp is to check out other areas so if you have to move in the night, you know where you are going to go. It is horrible that some little oiks vandalised your van and it pays to keep a mobile phone on you to call the police when there is any suspicious activity around your van at night.

I certainly enjoy all my time in my caravan. It is my space So I understand how you feel

Glad to hear you are slowly going back out in the van. We can't let those idiots win! 💜x

Fortunately, in the USA we have massive land amounts that are National Parks, and are patrolled/maintained, so you don't have to really be in the wild - to feel like you're in the wild. You two have a great plan.💜

Great to see you post an update and that you are looking forward after some difficult times 👍. Yes Christine Keeler is the famous pose on the chair thats backwards but lets not go any further there 😂. You have raised some good points here along with some of your viewers. Keep strong and keep looking forward and love how you have viewed the troll comments. Anyway take care and keep going

Hello, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us all. It will help us all to camp safer in the future. We secured our van with the "HEOSystem VAN package locks" from Heosolution. They have got locks for the outside of the van (were you have got the hooklocks) and for the inside to secure yourself when inside the van ("HEOSafe® VAN inside lock for sliding doors" and "2 locks for the driver’s cabin" ). The locks for the inside are easy to open in case you have to leave the van quickly. We have got them all and always lock ourselfs in as soon as we arive at a site. In addition we have got a Bear-Lock installed, a system that prevents the gearbox from moving. These two antitheft systems are very popular in Germany. In the Netherlands you have to install a Bear-Lock to get a insurance vor your campervan so we feel quite safe with them. I hope you gain a secure feeling again and have many wonderfull trips in Merlin! ♥️♥️♥️

Bless your hearts .. I’m so sad you had to go through such an event that’s knocking your confidence. New subscriber here. Love your little vlogs and here to follow your journey making happy memories. ❤

Great vlog Graham and Ellie, Ellie very brave of you to tell us what you’ve been through, I know you Guys will get there, sending best wishes and healing thoughts to you both!, Bruce and Linda 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

Brilliant and well thought out video! Sorry you fell fowl of low life! Glad you are getting bad to using the van. It may have already been mentioned but the Oxford Patriot has to the one this the extended pin, not the normal one! Hope you are going to the New Year meet!

Fantastic news your getting out again ! Yes just vandals may never happen again ! You could always get cctv for the van 🤔 This has happened don’t let it ruin your joy go out enjoy ❤️

Glad to see you back on the saddle as that I can see is an important one …

Good tips. Thank you.

Hench Merlin up 😮 I can’t wait see him after he’s been to the gym ❤

A good deterant would be to have a recording on you phone of a large dog barking.Play it if you hear strange noises outside your van.It could deter would be attackers.

It just occurred to me that I believe there is a window film that can be applied to the windows that make them essentially unbreakable? Well, I think the glass will still craze and break but the film is so tough that it holds it all together still so that no one can get in. It makes me think about whether it can also be applied to the plastic habitation windows too 🤔

So nice to see u both moving on. Stay safe & happy travels.

Lovley to see you feeling better Ellie and both of you moving forward. I think you probably have theft covered and I will be interested to see what Graham adds for deterrent. I know Graham has said you have cameras on the house, I fitted a wireless EUFY to the house last week which sends alerts to our phones. Big mistake, Mrs K now sees all my comings and goings😎😎. Thinking about sitting backwards, as a kid I used to be able to ride a bike 🚲facing backwards sitting on the handlebars and lots of other daft tricks but the only one I can do now is balance when not moving, great at traffic lights to see a guy in his early 30's (Honest) stood up on the pedals. The looks I get are hilarious. Cheers K.

That was a really good tip about broken glass. I parked in Windsor once down by the river. Windows smashed and goods stolen. Police told me it was a hot spot for theives as the road was concealed by trees and hedges. I also got egged once on a long drive resting in the middle of nowhere near Darwin. Semi urban. Local yobs target parkup overnight. They think it fun to target vand and lorry drivers sleeping.

We don't need a force field we need supernatural protection a la Psalm 91!! I appreciate the wisdom of your deterrents and I think you undervalue having each other I was judgementally thinking You have lost your bottle Shocked to hear your end stage cancer story Well done for fighting back! Jesus that's all I can say! It's not against flesh and blood we wrestle but against powers and principalities and rulers in this present darkness Yes keep the phone charged up and God Bless you both and thank you for sharing xx

Don’t let them beat you Guys! Ps my office was close to your place! Sad to see the works gone!

On deterrent. My first thought was announcing that you are a RU-vid channel. I thought this was a good thing because any crime could be recorded. Pros and cons perhaps on that one. But a handheld siren remote control that you can trigger at your bedside would be another very good deterrent. As far as not fearing the Reaper. Good going, I don't think I would have continued. Not all people are bad, but I don't want to end up regretting life. I have a channel too, and have learned how to find the best friend in my life. He is now living with me, AND IT'S GENUINE because of the channel. But I was smart. I did get robbed the first few times. To see my channel search for. The best Channel you ever knew. Enjoy.

Hi Ellie I’m new to your channel, this being only the second one I’ve watched. I can appreciate your situation as my wife has been living with secondary breast cancer for five years. Unfortunately she is also disabled so couldn’t get in and out of a motor home. As for your van security there are a couple who’s channel is ‘Ladi and Margret’ and they have put 12 layers of security into their van. Very interesting, might be worth a watch. All the best. Jeff

I carry pepperspray with me if I walk at night or in woods and definitely when I get an rv.Just make sure doors and windows r locked.Thats how I am in my apartment. Motion light sound great .I'm sorry again.your such good hearted people.

Great tips there for off grid camping. Take care 👍Graeme

Im really sorry about what you have been through, it must have been terrible.You have some good ideas to move forward but I think making the van trendier for want of a better word could go the other way & make Merlin more likely to be broken into.They might think you have an expensive sound system etc inside.

Hi Ellie and Graham have been thinking of you both and so pleased you have been going in Merlin Ellie my heart goes out to you to what you have been through and I understand albeit for different reasons why Merlin is your safe place and have your safe family and it’s the constants that help life go successfully isn’t it I think you are both approaching this the right way and planning for the future and baby steps to where you want to be is the right way and like you I love being in the great outdoors there is something special about it sending love to you both Daniel Victoria Joseph and Ollie

I think it is safe to say, that my life would be enhanced if I was fortunate to meet and chat to you both if we ever met whilst you are on the road. Chin up, we can't allow the bad human elements to dictate what we do with our lives.

Glad you went out! Love Tredegar house too ❤️

That’s the spirit, ease yourself in and maybe wild camps in the future could be more remote, up mountain passes etc which will be nice and safe 😊

Great channel, enjoying your videos. Keep going, both Sue and I have or had cancer so we can relate to what you are going through... we got our coach, genny , in March and Sue was diagnosed in April... so that came as quite a blow... we are loving the video... keep it up.... Nuts on Tour

Hi, I live in Australia, but share your plight and understand the stresses, having had similar worries, al be it mine were tires let down and a broken driver side quarter vent window broken. I would suggest not to make to many assumptions about who may have caused you the stress. As I fist fitted my home with security cameras.... only to discover not young youths doing a mischief, but a middle age neighbour. Who would do things and then go up and down the street complaining about out of control youths. He still does not realise the extent he if filmed tampering with bins and dumping rubbish into other properties.... I went to the bother of getting a 12v security system for my camper van that films and records from every direction. I can also switch it on with a remote control from bed and see what is going on outside... Of course that is only half the solution, my van is on rubber tires so when out free parking it can be electrified with an electric fence unit, and if that fails I have a baseball bat for playing ball with the grand kids and a machety for exploring places... being army trained as long as it is video taped as self defence! Failing all that make sure your covered with insurance, and don't to quick to dismiss other campers as being the cause of your troubles...nothing is known till proven!

Have you tried looking into the window shield film protection?

All good ideas guys...safe journey to you both.

You can get the full steering wheel lock I've got one covers full wheel

Well done on your recovery 👏👏

You should be really proud of each other. Enjoy your travels, which you both love, and don't let a tiny minority spoil it .Pete & Wendy ❤️❤️❤️

I have to be honest I thought you were being a little dramatic in previous videos after the window incident. Now I understand a little better. Best wishes & Good luck.

Pleased you are both mending from this horrible experience. Graham you may recall I suggested a security window film. As an example I attach a link to a company that fit this although I only found them through a Google search. Living in the South they don’t cover our area in Dorset. They may be near enough for you and the videos they show are pretty impressive. Worth a look. Also interested in your take on security cameras and will be watching your security improvements with great interest. Take care both

I am so sorry to hear of your event. We had several events, both with the intention to steal and feel bold in front of their mates. The police said, after both perpetrators were caught (different perpetrators, different events) that they stated choosing us was completely random. You do have to give yourself time to digest what’s happened and in time it will not define how you feel going out in your lovely vehicle. There are devices on the market that assist with peace of mind. For eg there are small cameras that operate continually, even if the vehicle is off or unattended. There are many out there to choose from. Then it’s a trip to the local police who will copy the video for all the evidence. Most of the time they’re well known to the police. We have just bought a caravan - we are in our middle 60’s in Australia and I know we are going to encounter some young idiots but we are preparing for these events, just as one would for bad weather. We’re Looking forward to future videos and safe travels

Firstly I am sorry you been through this. I never been to your channel before so this is how I breakdown what has happen to you. To start off you needed to get home and this put you in a situation that meant you had little time to plan a suitable route and make sure it safe location and arrive in daylight etc. Should you had the time to plan I am sure you would not of placed you self somewhere like this. Sometimes when traveling from home all works out but on this occasion it was just the wrong place to be. I think anywhere that anyone can turn up in a car in a isolated location your risk of attack is higher than on a proper campsite with security. The fact the attackers left I think not a act of vandalism it was see if anyone was in there to come back and Rob it and you immediately turn on lights is why they left and never returned. I think what can be taken from this is in location you never visited before try to stay at service stations because stay in a off road carpark is just not a good idea. We all like to think life isn't like this but it is and for your future journey you need to have a risk factor list complete to give you the peace of mind in a emergency how best to respond. I don't understand why you didn't call the police because they would of fingerprint the brick and taken that as evidence. Or if you did I sorry I miss this part of the video. I would say to you give this time and it never leave your thoughts but use this in a positive way that it keep you safe in the future. I think after I was attack in my late teens you just get that horrible feeling to leave a place. I am 55 now and that feeling never go but I see it as my inside alarm system that the situation is becoming unsafe. I am sure your future holidays will be lovely and I wish you all the best. It's not nice but these things happen now in life and given time you will learn to live with it but you never forget it but that in a positive way will keep you safer in future. Best wishes

Your dogs are so adorable.

Great tips. Thank you. Sorry I make so many comments. I talk to you, as I watch your videos.😂😂😂😂

You can get a motion sensor fierce dog alarms.

Hi , a very positive video ,have to admire your strong approach to the issues afoot , and wishing you better times ahead ,facing the issues with a positive and educational way is definitely a good start , re cctv there are some very very good battery powered (can last A long time on single charge ) and wireless signal types ,there are also hidden ones that look like a screw but they tend to be wired type that then connect to a mini recording device .Best Wishes

Put some cameras on your van so you can see on the outside of the van. After all you have done for security you will be safe. Get back out there and enjoy your life.

Probably better to leave a light on in the driver compartment they don't know if your dressed ready for jumping out just makes them think twice.

Hi Graham, can you say where you got the window locks from please? Thank you

❤new to your story and very distressing to watch how Merlin was vandalised and how terrifying for you. We are quite new Motorhomers and to be honest would never be comfortable wild camping in fact I don’t think I would be able to close my eyes. Courses for horses so good luck to you but maybe stick to cls for a while. Will be getting the window locks and like the look of Penarth xx

Good on ya guys. Cutest dog ever. 🇦🇺

We stay on brit stops quite often some lovely locations and there free to 👍