Breakin

[lawnmowwer]

 I was at Cheaha for a few days over Christmas. I parked at the entrance to lake Chennabee for two nights. After almost 20 mile of hiking We ( Troop 61) walked back up to My Fj and to drivers door glass was knocked out and the hood was up. Thank God the truck started. I lost my Garmin map 60, and a bunch of little stuff, but they knocked a dent in the side that will cost $1200 to repair.  I should add My many and various cars and trucks have spent 100s of nights at the many trail heads in our area and this is the first incident. The vandalism made me madder than the breakin.

Any thoughts on trail head safety?
What would you do?
Just food for thought. I will tell what I did after a few post.

Sorry, I haven't been around. I have had the worst internet experience ever for the last months.

[Nalgene Ninja]

Sorry, you had to experience that. Did you notify the local sheriff and the FS rangers?

[highlife]

I always have a fear that one day my vehicle will be broken into. heck, maybe its best to keep the doors unlocked...
I do always stash the stuff that's remaining in my vehicle in hidden little compartments.

[Skippy]

I always leave my car unlocked but do not leave anything of value in it. That way they can look around all they want without vandalizing your car (hopefully)

[lawnmowwer]

I did notify the sheriff. The FS was a lot of help but really couldn't do anything.

I had to drive to the otherside of the mountain (high falls ) to get the other truck. Then We drove to the store. Where the staff was very helpful. They took care over getting the sheriff. I give them a co dos. Some for the Rangers where madder than I was. I just hope I was a good example for the Scout on the trip. I think I handle my obvious anger and disgust well.

The one thing I was grateful for and I probably shouldn't admit this was the fact that I forgot to take My pistol out of the truck before We left, and for some reason I through it in My pack. This is the only time I have ever done that (before or sense). I always leave it in the safe at the house. 


 

[auwesman]

Thats one reason I like parking at Turnipseed.....I'm not sure if it's really any safer, but seems to be more public.  That really stinks.  I've heard of a few beak ins happening at Adams Gap as well.

Whats worse is, it's not bad enough they robbed you, they have to meaninglessly damage your truck also JUST to make your day worse...I'd like to walk up on that happening during hunting season 

[Old Hickory]

I really hate to hear about your experience. That stinks! 

There's nothing worse than returning from the serenity of God's creation to find out just how low some of his other creations can sink!

[Tacky Hiker]

that sux !!

[Graceless]

 Chinnabee is not a secure area. I have seen people( not just kids) break into ,try handles and rumage through pickup tool boxes.I have been stolen from and funny enough got to tag number of the mustang convertable that stole the DVD player and the PDA from my vehical lol
Even got that trendy diaperbag stolen a couple years back lol!!! Oh well .no cell signal so they get brave.VERY  BRAVE. its a good spot criminally speaking.. I saw a bike rack the other day with 3 treks and and jamis al 4 on a trailer hitch rack... and not a lock in sight....notes on windows of return times and of course the whole leaving the keys on the tire trick sheesh what is up with people?!?!

  But we still go:) we normally get a camping spot and park there. but if I had a overnight trip I might try and get a shuttle to and from the little store. It would be worth it for me anyway.Plus have big dog
I will keep an eye out for that Garmin in my happy places:/ they may try and pawn  it:)and if you have the serial ##???

[Lesley]

Perhaps this will lead to a deeper appreciation for the "racing stripe" my side view mirror gave Matt's truck one early morning. His poor Tacoma looks bad enough vandals might leave it alone. I will definitely be more diligent about getting valuables out of the cab, thanks for the story. I'm sorry that happened.

[lawnmowwer]

 I parked at the gate ( Chinnabee Lake is closed). I thought that would be safer. I guess I was right. The hood was open when I got back, but nothing was touched under there. I guess someone came buy and scared them off. I don't think anything was visable from outside the truck.

You can't believe the load the fell off My shoulders when it cranked.  If was a cold ride back to the house with the window gone and all. I think it was really just a random  act of convenience. I wouldn't be brave enough to do it as hunters were everywhere. My life is worth more than  a gps and a few other things.