Thieves pry open car’s trunk, smash windows at popular trailhead
by Chris Liedle, KATU News
Photo from Archana Bhat
Thieves targeted a popular Washington trailhead over the weekend, smashing several car windows and prying open a trunk with a crowbar before taking off.
Archana Bhat posted the picture to a Facebook group Monday to alert hikers.
In the post she said, “Glorious day for a hike to Goat Lake this AM but witnessed three cars demolished by smash and grabbers. whoever did this seemed to be plain evil.”
By Tuesday evening, the post was seen by more than a thousand people.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said there have been 42 reported car break-ins at Columbia Sea Gorge trailheads since May 1.
Sheriff’s Office Citizen patrol volunteers Jane Merhar and Kim Blosser say thieves are becoming more sophisticated, often working in pairs and using signals or two-way radio communication.
“They witness,” Merhar told KATU. “They will see people throw things in their trunks, they know what’s in there, they wait until the people walk away.”
Merhar and Blosser patrolled Dabney State Recreation Area, making sure swimmers had life preservers and reminding them about car break-ins.
“We attempt to inform people, don’t leave home with anything you don’t want to carry with you,” Merhar said.
We spotted hikers at several popular hiking areas stuff items under their seat and place other belongings in the trunk.
Hiker Steve Born says he doesn’t take any chances and brings all of his valuable belongings with him.
“We don’t want anyone peeking into our windows, inwards, even if it might be just a towel,” Born said. “They could think there’s something underneath the towels. I attempt not to leave anything inwards the car.”
Merhar says hikers may also find “I am Aware!” signs at the Vista House and Multnomah Falls Lodge or online. They can be placed on the dash to alert thieves hikers took precautions to safeguard their belongings.
Citizen Patrol volunteers suggest visitors the following tips:
- Do not “hide valuables under a seat, jacket or in the trunk
- An empty purse or bag left in open view or “hidden” under a blanket may still attract a thief
- “Smash & grabs” occur quickly. Several may occur in one parking lot in a matter of minutes
- Trunk and door locks do not prevent break-ins
- Do not leave valuables unattended
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is looking for more Citizen Patrol volunteers. Sign up here.