[pct-l] trailhead break-ins

[Paul Bodnar]

This is what I recommend when parking a car at a trailhead.
 
1) Make sure you can't see anything from outside the car. I always walk around the car when I leave to make sure the lights are off, windows are closed and nothing is viewable from the outside.  I believe this is the most important thing you can do.
2) Remove everything from your car you don't need, I just leave the spare tire and jumper cables.
3) Wash and clean your car before going to the trailhead.  This will make your car look like it hasn't been sitting for a long time.  Your car might even look like it belongs to a day hiker.
4) Don't tell people at the trailhead how long you are going hiking, this is important.
5) Don't tell people on the trail where you are parked.  
6) If you have two cars, pick the older car to park at the trailhead.
7) Roll up your windows and lock your car
8) Keep the keys, don't hide them on the car.
9) Don't leave any food in your car
10) Remember to make sure you turn off all your lights, set the parking brake and hang your permit if required.

Paul
 
HikeThru.com
 
 
> I'm thinking about a hike this summer of the Tahoe Rim Trail, and while researching were I can park a car, I found a trail journal of a guy who said where he parked, but returned to find his car window smashed and clean cloths taken.  Another reader posted a suggestion to leave the car doors unlocked.
>  
> At first that seams like an invitation for a thief to choose your car, taking the radio, hot wire the engine or what ever.  
> I was wondering what other opinions are out there in the hiking community.  Thoughts?