Need a Refresher on Protecting Your Car While Hiking?

Upon hearing from a reader on the Enumclaw Patch Facebook page that there appeared to be an uptick in vehicle break-ins around the Mount Peak trailheads, we checked in with King County Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart about whether this was a new crime trend we needed to worry about.

Not so -- at least, not more than usual, Urquhart replied in an email. Break-ins at trailheads is not a new crime and it happens every year at nearly every trailhead, he said.

"People are back out in the wilderness this time of year, so generally there seems to be an uptick," he said.

But don't let that stop you from enjoying the outdoors now that the weather's finally warmed up. The Sheriff's Office offers one simple tip: 

Don't leave anything in your car when hiking.

"These break-ins are crimes of opportunity because people tend to be not around in the parking lots, plus several cars, and no cameras," he said. "People will often hide something under the seat when they leave -- a wallet, purse, whatever."

Thieves may sometimes case a trailhead and watch you do this, and then strike, he said. "Sometimes people leave valuables in their glove box. In fact, think about taking the little light bulb out of the glove box then leaving the door open so the thieves can see nothing is inside."

Additionally, "don’t be seen locking stuff in the trunk. ... again, people watch, and many cars have a mechanical release so you can get into the trunk easily from the car," he said. "Or they will punch out the trunk lock."

Otherwise, happy hiking!