Updated April 10, 2018
Hurray for spring! It's a great time to get out and enjoy our region's beautiful parks and trails. Just remember that as trail head parking lots fill up, they become prime hunting grounds for thieves. You can protect your stuff and make your car less attractive to thieves with some easy precautions.
Thieves know when you park at a park or trail head that you'll be away from your car for a while, and that you're more likely to leave valuables behind. They know you don't want to tote them along on your walk or ride. We don't want you to come back to a broken window and stolen purse, so:
If possible, leave your purse and other valuables at home, and only take small essentials that you can carry with you in a fanny pack or bike bag, like your car keys, your ID, a little money for that treat with your buddy afterwards, and your phone.
If you have to leave valuables in your car (and we wish you wouldn't) then hide them completely out of sight, in your trunk or a covered cargo area, BEFORE you get to the trail head. If you wait to hide your things when you park, a thief might already be in the area watching.
After taking these simple precautions, get out there and enjoy this beautiful time of year.