TRAIL HEADS- Car Prowls Can Be a Problem

With the weather clearing up and getting warmer, many people think of going out hiking in the mountains. They may not expect to come back from their hike to a vehicle that has been broken into and stuff stolen from it. That does happen at our trailheads as detailed in this blog post at The Mountaineers web site,

https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/how-to-deal-with-a-smash-and-grab?fbclid=IwAR2OyBECXdgv8WB-nrif2zLcRPluYxBDsnd0ShR50H0YkwrHrrtst6S1KVA



The author returned to her vehicle to find that it had been broken into and her car registration, with the address to her home, had been taken from the glovebox as well as a set of house keys. The thieves went to her home and entered the house by unlocking the door.

Many car prowls do not also result in a home burglary but having someone break into your car or truck and take anything from it is bad enough.

We often prepare for our hikes (taking the 10 essentials, https://scvsar.org/ten-essentials). Part of that preparation also should be preparing your vehicle to sit at the trailhead parking lot while you are on your hike. You can do that by,

·        Not taking anything that you do not need on your hike with you. Keep your valuables at home.

·        If you plan on putting anything in your trunk, put it there at home before you leave. Car prowlers could see what you have put in your trunk at the trail head.

·        Keeping a lookout for any “suspicious” people who seem to be just hanging out, not readying themselves to go on a hike, or getting ready to leave the area. Write down a description and a license number of their vehicle if you safely can.

·        Taking items such as your driver’s license, credit/debit cards, phone, etc. with you on the trail.

·        Not leaving the keys in the vehicle! Do not hide your keys in the vehicle. Car thieves know where to look.

·        Not leaving anything in view in your vehicle when you leave for your hike, not even an empty duffle bag, backpack, or a bag with garbage. Car prowlers will see them as an opportunity to steal.

·        Some people go to the extent of emptying their glove compartment and leaving its door open to show that there is nothing there. You can take your car registration with you. If you prefer not to take the registration with you, blank out your address on it.

·        Lock your car! While some people say that they leave their parked car unlocked, most deputies would not recommend leaving your car unlocked. An unlocked car is easier to steal, so if the suspect needs wheels, he/she could take your unlocked car. Also, car prowls are crimes of opportunity. A car prowler most likely is not going to break into a car if he/she does not think that there is something worthwhile stealing.  

·        If you do see anyone suspicious, or if your car is broken into, report it to the nearest ranger station.

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/445/Vehicle-Prowl-PDF