The common thread between the burglaries is the method of entry into the vehicle — a smashed window. The interior of the car is then usually ransacked and items from laptops to cell phones are stolen, according to crime reports.
“We are finding that people are targeting thefts of iPods and cell phones. There is an irony to that: People come here to get away from technology and relax, but they bring technology with them,” said Stanton Florea, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.
The areas are remote and often the victim’s vehicle is the only one parked in the turn-out or parking lot. The burglaries are random, authorities said.
“They are happening every day of the week and usually in the afternoon hours. Because the areas are so remote, there is no one around to hear the smashing of the window or to witness the suspects,” Harley said.
Some of the victims have apparently thought their items were safe because they had hidden them under car seats or in the trunk, Harley said.
“Another trend we are seeing is global positioning systems being stolen and they can be pricey. Visitors like using GPS devices to navigate the forest,” Florea said.
If possible, visitors should take the device from their vehicle and carry it with them, but to be aware even in that scenario, he added.
“It is important to always hike using the buddy system. We advise, if possible, not to take anything of value with them, but if they do, be careful not to get distracted, be aware of your surroundings,” Florea said.
Another common problem along the secluded trails and turn-outs is the dumping of hazardous material in the form of motor oil or paint that is often dumped in canisters, he said.
“We want people to let us know if they see anything like this on the trails. The officers from forest service will have to first identify the material before removing it,” he said.
Harley advised visitors to contact the sheriff’s department or forest service as soon as they can if they discover their car burglarized.
Visitors should also be good witnesses, but for their own safety, should refrain from approaching anyone they find vandalizing a vehicle.
