"Out of sight/Out of mind" is my credo.
When traveling, I never leave *anything in plain sight.
A microfleece throw, same color as van interior, disguises
duffle bags of gear stashed behind fold-down seat.
I never leave sunglasses, casette tapes, flashlites, Swiss Army
knives, or other tempting items in open view.

I had a JC Whipme toggle switch installed (in dash ashtray)
which disables my ignition.  Should I ever be stopped by rogue
Federales on a lonely stretch of coastal Mex 200, & asked to
exit my van & hand over the keys--I'll discreetly flip the switch,
camouflaged by loose gum wrappers.

My most important valuables while traveling are cash, passport,
& travel documents.  Last year, when I had all new upholstery
done in Mexico, I had a *secret pocket designed into one of the
seat backs that seals up tight with velcro.  While it will never fool
US Customs, it will foil just about any other type of thief.

Other than the above measures, & my 11 lb pug, Stella--who takes
her van guarding assignment seriously, I try to be in the "right place
at the right time."

Phaedra
'85 Wolfsburg Westy Basecamp