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Sande J Calamity J
Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 725 Location: Mesa, AZ
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Posted: 2/28/2010, 9:50 am Post subject: Trailhead Theft...Heads Up |
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I posted this on my Facebook, so thought I would also say something here as well. Just sort of a heads up for all you hikers. I was the victim of trailhead vandalism and theft on Saturday. Just went out for a quick maintenance/fitness hike near Usery. I parked at one of the Levee Trail Gates off McKellips. There is an actual pull in right there, with room for about 3-4 vehicles. I have a little route I do out there from time to time when I don't have the whole day to hike, so I was only gone about 2.5 hours. Came back to a busted rear window and a missing backpack. The backpack had nothing of value in it (well at least to anyone else but me) just gym clothes and my running shoes and a few personal items. MCSO told me it is frequent in that area. This is my first experience with this happening. Just want you all to be aware that the thiefs are out there and to hike WITH your ids, money, cards, etc. I always do that, thank goodness. My backpack was in view behind my drivers seat, but I kind of forgot I even left it there, so just a reminder to check what is visible before you take off.
Seems that staying close to town makes it easier for the scumbags, I shoulda been way out in the middle of nowhere where I feel safe.
No sympathy, please....just letting you all know to look out for yourself.
Thanks!
SJ _________________ And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stone, good in everything..
-William Shakespeare- |
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bbzebrageek
Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 17 Location: San Diego, Ca
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Posted: 2/28/2010, 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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That is very good advice - that has been happening a lot more out here in Cali too. Another tip for everybody - put everything away and out of site BEFORE you get to the parking lot or trailhead. Thieves often times will hang out and watch, waiting for a good time to break in and watch what people put into their trunks. I have seen very nice cameras, lenses, wallets, purses and other equipment stolen from the trunk or glove box. It's sad we have to worry about our cars while we are out enjoying nature and peace! |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 2/28/2010, 5:27 pm Post subject: |
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Hey fellow San Diegan! Born and raised there! Thought about moving back there, but since it is so crowded it is not very appealing. My husband and I go hiking every day in summer here in eastern AZ, and if there is even ONE car at a trailhead, we will often decide to pick another trail. (And people still wonder why I moved up here? Go figger.)
I wonder if car alarms are helpful? I guess in a lot of places people ignore them.
I have heard of people using an old beater car, and sometimes not even locking it, for their trailhead car. There used to be a lot of problems in parts of Colorado. People said old beater cars were less interesting to thieves.
Here's an Alaska forum about trailhead thievery and what the forum folks want to do about it:
http://alaskabikeblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/trailhead-thieves-suck.html |
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Deborah
Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 297 Location: Tucson
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Posted: 2/28/2010, 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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Happens alot here in Tucson too! _________________ Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. - Rachel Carson |
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mr2005
Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 35
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Posted: 3/4/2010, 6:46 am Post subject: |
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it sucks that ths is so common. |
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SkyIslandHiker
Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 186 Location: Sahuarita (Tucson) AZ
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Posted: 3/4/2010, 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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Deborah wrote: |
Happens alot here in Tucson too! |
Seems like most of the Tucson area car clouting problems are at the Tucson Mountain trailheads.
Bill _________________ TucsonHikers - Southern Arizona's Hiking Network!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TucsonHikers/ |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 3/7/2010, 6:20 am Post subject: |
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Too bad all the hiking clubs can't organize some sort of volunteer watch program at the worst trailheads. Maybe they could, actually...
I had heard that King's Canyon was bad, over in the Tucson Mtns. but at least there you have the choice of parking in the AZSDM parking lot.
I copied and pasted the original post to a HAZ thread that popped up the other day, so if anyone is interested they are talking about it over there as well. |
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ck1
Joined: 04 Jan 2003 Posts: 1331 Location: Mesa
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Posted: 3/7/2010, 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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SandeJ,
Thought of you the other day. On Thursday morning I went out to my truck (parked in the "spot" next to my house where I have parked for 6 years) and discovered my driver window shattered. Snagged my work bag with the laptop inside. Big pain in the rear. Sucks. _________________ -Colin
"The Journey is the Destination" |
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Hikngrl Canyoneering is my 'Happy Place'
Joined: 27 May 2003 Posts: 5578 Location: Peoria, AZ
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Posted: 3/8/2010, 6:18 am Post subject: |
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Oh my! The theives are very busy these days as they got my parents whole truck last week! It was found on Friday night in Eloy! They haven't been able to see it yet so we don't know what damage took place but we will find out today when they go to pick it up..."they" say it is " drivable" thats all the info they go when they called at 11:30 Friday night when they found it. _________________ ~~~Diane~~~
I want to shine! |
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Sande J Calamity J
Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 725 Location: Mesa, AZ
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Posted: 3/8/2010, 6:04 pm Post subject: |
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Wow...I am not alone...
COLIN! Things that make you say "aw crap!" ( or worse!)
I hope your insurance covers the laptop....
Diane....that's even worse....hope insurance takes care of them! _________________ And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stone, good in everything..
-William Shakespeare- |
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wanderingsoul
Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 2285 Location: Gilbert AZ
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Posted: 3/8/2010, 10:28 pm Post subject: |
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Oh my gosh you guys, I'm really sorry to hear for ALL of your losses.
Just plain Sad. As SandeJ said, I hope insurance covers you all.
Thank goodness None of you were hurt in the process of the theft. People are getting crazy these days !!! _________________ Wanderingsoul (Michelle)
Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown |
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carter_abel@cox.net
Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 4 Location: Cave Creek
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Posted: 3/30/2010, 8:08 am Post subject: Revis Ranch |
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I had my battery wires cut at the Revis Ranch trail 109 trailhead. They got in my truck and took CD's and stuff. _________________ Carter |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 3/31/2010, 4:10 am Post subject: |
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When did that happen? And why would they want to cut battery wires? |
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carter_abel@cox.net
Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 4 Location: Cave Creek
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Posted: 3/31/2010, 5:34 am Post subject: |
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It was about 8 months ago. If they cut the wires then the alarm doesn't go off and they can take their time. My truck was lifted and it was easy to get under. _________________ Carter |
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azbackpackr Hi Tech Wizardess
Joined: 31 Dec 2005 Posts: 3639 Location: Needles CA
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Posted: 3/31/2010, 9:02 am Post subject: |
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Gotcha.
Like I've been saying, we need snipers! |
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