put an electric fence around it .......on a timer to come on say at 11pm and go off at 5 am..........

We have contacted the sheriff, unfortunately it's on 80 acres so having lighting is of little value, as they probably break in during the day, but thank you for providing a suggestion. I wonder IF we could put an electric fence in? It's a ton of rock.

Did a quick Google search and found some interesting suggestions.

Remote cabins

The 'remote cabins' search has some good ideas!

At first I thought the idea of leaving the cabin open was a good one, but it really stinks that it would be so easy for people to just walk in. Even if they didn't take anything that's kind of creepy.

An electric fence would be gratifying - especially if you could be there to see them get zapped, but remember that once the circuit is broken, it's useless. Can you put in a loud alarm that's connected to the sheriff's office and post a sign? If your place is that remote, thieves could probably be in and out before anyone got there, but it might give the casual thief pause.

The sheriff's department is out of their own personal dwelling, (nearest town boasts 400 more or less), so bells and whistles are out of reach. I think the best thing is to be a bit sneaky, ideas to possibly hide the things like sleeping bags? Our friends have an open cabin policy, they even put a guest book out and have had lots of friendly response and no damage, but they have nothing in it. I'd like to have extra clothing, boots, simple things around in case the weather changes that would get taken. Has anyone every done a trap door in the floor with storage in a crawl space type thing? Or maybe a false ceiling hiding a bit of space in an attic? Is there pre made kits for this kind of thing? I googled, but lots of things have a high price tag and needs a lot of skilled labor. Thanks again, it's interesting to get other people's ideas, and helps us make good decisions. PS the electric fence comment cracked me up!

I like the attic idea - especially if it's not easily to find/get to the access. That combined with the open door may make 'visitors' think you just don't keep anything at the cabin when you aren't staying in it.

A VERY LARGE AND GROWLY DOG.......................? Yikes!! I mean really big.

If no one is breaking into the house, look into excellent storage ideas for inside the house. If you need ideas, let me know. I wouldn't have an open cabin policy. You're just asking for trouble there.

The cabin isn't built yet, but we have had two break ins in five years to our old trailer. The Sheriff thinks it's drug related. From the looks of both break ins we are talking unskilled, smash and grab what's easy and go. Love the big dog idea, hahaha! My son had an elaborate idea, motion sensors trigger dogs barking viciously, an enormous chain broken, his cousin's size 14 boots with gun shells scattered near and a sign on the door readingBe bak soon. Hank dun brok the chane and kilt Billybob, goin fer sherif.". Lol! If you make them laugh will they figure, their ok, let's skip this place? Seriously, thanks all for the suggestions! At least I have some googling to do. It's all in the proper search words...so specific, moderately skilled, (because we aren't all that talented), ideas are welcome! We have no more than three days at a time to do things, so that makes it a challenge too.

I can think of how a false ceiling could work well in a small space to cover up a scuttle hole or even a pull-down stair to the attic. If the access is in a little hall or vestibule you could run some some type of moulding - even a flat 1x - far enough below the ceiling framing to have a lowered ceiling panel made out of whatever material suits you (sheet rock, plywood, or wood boards - on a frame) that fits in the opening you create with the moulding. That moulding will act as a shelf to hold the panel in place and the frame will keep it rigid. The fact that it is lower than the ceiling framing will allow you to push it up and angle the panel enough to remove it and reveal the attic access. If you do it right, no one will know!

Another easy way to hide smaller things would be with built-in cabinetry. You could have false backs and bottoms. If you're going to build a new cabin, make hiding space between walls part of the plan.

Awesome! Really, we have vague ideas, so the comments about how to go about such things are very helpful!

Terry! Thank you! I needed affirmation that the enjoyment we receive from the property is worth the little episodes! Actually, I'm not sure if a shed wouldn't be a red flag, hey, here's where the good stuff is! Get the chain saw, we're goin in! Because of the location, they have all the time in the world to tear up a good building, and if they weren't prepared, to come back with tools later on! I appreciate your interest.

And maybe some day these thieves will grow up and move away!