[zephyr]

Here are three reports from WTA this week of break ins along the I-90 corridor and Middle Fork. Photos included. First one is from Tuesday, April 26 from a hiker who went up Mt. Washington via Twin Falls parking area. When he returned he found the sheriff and an arson inspector at his car which had the interior torched. Next is from a Mailbox Peak hiker today, April 28 who reported 7 cars in the upper lot with their windows smashed even though they appeared to be empty of enticements. Next one is also from Mailbox Peak, same story. ********************* Here's an idea. Maybe keep this thread free of all the old stories and anecdotes about previous break ins 30 years ago and the discussions on crime in general, using bait cars, junkers, video cameras, etc., etc. Folks can talk about that on this enduring thread. Instead we could use this thread just to report the where and when of these incidents. This would be like a weather report or avy forecast. Just use it to keep an eye on where the latest hot spots are and such. It might be of some slight use in trip planning. ~z

[Randito]

This almost seems like:

But it seems like it could also be a case of someone pissed about trailhead crowding and wanting to discourage people from hiking at Mailbox. In the '80s a friend of mine owned a house close to Aurora ave in North Seattle. Break ins where so bad at that time there that, he had to leave the windows rolled down and the drivers door open while was parked in his driveway to avoid further damage to his car. He also had a large hardened bike lock type chain securing the battery.

[Slugman]

So of course randito immediately posts all the stupid useless crap you asked to not be posted to this thread. At least we know he read your post!

[Chief Joseph]

Sure why not? The best way to avoid break ins is to go down a long and rough road, thieves like crowded TH's that are close to the main road. I also leave a few dollars in change to hopefully pacify them a bit. Yes, windows down, nothing of real value inside, that's about all one can do. Also hide or carry with you your vehicle registration.

[Celticclimber]

Here's what I do. It has always made sense to me to just leave the truck unlocked and the windows down. Afterall: If they want to get in, they will. Insurance will not pay for the broken window. Nor the stuff they take. So you might as well let them in to rummage around. 'cause. Driving home in the rain, with a busted window is just going to add to the suckiness of it all.

[fourteen410]

Not a break in specifically, but be careful around Humpback: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2022-04-30-7701087426

[fourteen410]

Another one: Cougar Mountain

[philfort]

Ok now it just sounds like someone breaking windows for the fun of it (or they are part of Big Glass) and not trying to steal anything...

[Anne Elk]

So this is all wanton vandalism, at lots close to the interstate. Sounds like perfect locations for stakeouts by LE, trailcams to ID perps & their vehicles, etc. What would it take to get regular LE or FS people to do it?

[Bramble_Scramble]

I'm not sure if I'm remembering this right but wasn't there a case a while back where LE set up a bait car and was able to charge them with theft of government property? Years back we met either a Ranger or a Sheriff, can't remember which, who had been camping just outside of the Lake Serene parking lot waiting for prowlers.

[altasnob]

[Songs2]

Zephyr, To your original point,

[zephyr]

[Snowdog]

I am prepared to get teased , but I was wondering about all those car alarms going off at once? 7+ at Mailbox, more at Cougar Mtn? Wouldn't someone hear all that? Or perhaps it is a case of no one around to hear?

[Backpacker Joe]

"IF" I could still drive Id think about putting up temporary trail cams looking at my car every time I left my car. If thats not good enough, leave a designated sniper covering every parking lot!