Trailhead Security and Thefts

It's happening all across the nation. You come back to your car after a great ride or hike and your window is smashed and your wallet stolen. It's happened right here at Waldo Canyon, Blodgett Peak Open Space and Palmer Park. What's a person to do? Here are some ideas.

• Lock your doors - sounds like common sense but many people do not lock their doors. Keep all your windows rolled up and your sunroof closed.
• Don't leave valuables in your car at all, not even the trunk. Take your wallet or purse with you or better yet, don't even bring it to the trailhead. Just bring your ID and some cash that you can easily take with you on your hike or ride. Don't have anything showing in the car. If a potential thief sees a jacket on the seat, they might assume their is a wallet or purse underneath it. They also know where the hiding places are. Your trunk is equally vulnerable even if they can't see in it. A thief can't get anything if you've taken your stuff with you or left it at home.
• If you have bikes or other gear on your rooftop or in the back of your pickup, make sure you have adequate locks. It doesn't take long for someone to slip a bike out of the back of a pickup while you are in the bathroom. Bicycles can be registered with the Colorado Springs Police Department and they will keep track of serial numbers for you.
• Remove any external equipment such as cell phone antennas. Remove stereo faceplates or anything else like that.
• If it looks like someone is just hanging out around the trailhead and doesn't appear to be a legitimate trail user, consider going somewhere else or returning at a different time.
• Call the police department and report it. They need to know how often this happens. Contact us as well so we have a better idea of the extent of the problem. Location, date, time.