Trailhead vehicle(s)

[montezumawell]

The basic idea of this topic is to discuss what kind of vehicle you use to go to a trailhead. Naturally, there are a lot of permutations of the topic.

Our basic interest in creating this topic is multi-purpose.

First, we want to know if you use your "daily driver" to go to the TH's.

Or, do you have a "road warrior" beater-type vehicle that your park at TH's?

Do you have opinions and insights on how to "park" your vehicle at a TH?

Doors unlocked? windows down?

Or a "club" locked on the steering wheel?

Lastly, have you ever had a "problem" with your vehicle parked at a TH?

Broken window(s)? Slashed tires? Dents, dings? Stuff stolen? Scratches?

Ok, now that we have stated the obligatory disclaimers as to our purpose in creating this post, here is our perspective:

We are increasingly paranoid about TH parking.

Currently, we are using a beatup 1987 Suzuki. Dents in doors, ripped seats, no stereo, no nothing inside. We keep the vehicle "clean" and take the registration out of the glove box to go hiking. We lock the doors but leave the windows down enough for a trouble maker to jimmy the lock handles.
We keep locking lug nuts on the tires and the spare. We keep a small padlock on the battery hold down. Not enough to deter anyone with even medium-decent fence pliers--just enough to deter casual thieves.

We put a small but obvious sign on the windows that states: "This vehicles contains no tools, no money, no guns, no ammo, no electronicfs, no cameras, NO NOTHING!"

Then we leave two one dollar bills in the glove box with a note that says, "Thanks for takin' care of our truck."

We've had the two bucks swiped once on the Oregon Coast but we've never had anything damaged of "jimmied." (A friend of ours up there leaves two beers instead of two bucks. He's had both beers "drunk" but both set respectfully back where they were and nothing damaged.)

Ok, so what are your thoughts, ideas, opinions, feelings, etc.

J&S

[Pivo]

@SpiderLegs Here is a video GrottoGirl shared showing a break in at the Painted Hills TH captured by her Tesla.

[Mike_W]

@Pivo
Where's the video? I don't see why the video was removed. These worthless criminals need to be exposed and seen by as many people as possible. Penalties should be severe to stop these reckless crimes.

[Pivo]

@Mike_W Unfortunately, Reddit removed it from r/hiking and r/Tucson

[LosDosSloFolks]

@Mike_W @Pivo
Click on the red Reddit logo in the corner to watch the video.

[Mike_W]

@LosDosSloFolks
Thanks. I saw the video and it should be enough to ID this criminal who belongs in jail and after serving time and working off all fines and damages should be deported FAR AWAY!!

[Mike_W]

Then we leave two one dollar bills in the glove box with a note that says, "Thanks for takin' care of our truck."

--I wouldn't leave a damn thing for these criminal THUGS, not even a penny.

as for the beer, I wouldn't leave that either. Do nothing to invite these criminal thugs. Don't thank them for anything. If you want to give something, give the police a TIP to these POS criminals. Or you could put a few ounces of bleach or paint thinner in the beer bottles. Serve them the way they should be served!!!

[Jim]

Does Belinda or the owner of the Prius have a case number, assuming they called the police/ Sheriff?

Also, that video is clearly edited. Does Belinda or the Pima County Sheriff have a copy of the video that shows more detail, such as the make of the car? It looks to be a Lexus or Toyota Camry, maybe a 2015 era Camry. No idea on the Lexus model.

Marana PD would like to speak to them about the case number, and I am sure the Police would like a copy of the full video.

[outdoor_lover]

Don't really have a choice about what vehicle I park at a TH. I only have one. I do worry about theft, especially if I'm on a road trip where all of my gear is in the vehicle. Not much I can do. I've got locking lugs, locked hitch, everything locks inside, factory alarm. Thought about a kill switch but that only prevents the vehicle from being stolen, not a break in where all your gear is stolen. It is what it is. Try to make things look as plain as possible if someone just looks in, but if it's a long road trip that's hard to do too. I am going to invest in front and rear dash cams soon though.

[Jim]

@outdoor_lover
If you park at a trailhead where this guy just shows up, he'll break into your vehicle just to rummage.

[Pivo]

Jim_H Try PM ing her.

[Jim]

I sent an email to her 1 week ago. No response. I do not know if she responded to an email from Marana PD. I'm not trying to be her friend, I only want to move the investigation along.

[GrottoGirl]

@Jim_H I never got any emails. Mark just sent me this thread since I’m not on here often. Video was recorded by my iPhone from the screen on our Tesla. Unfortunately it didn’t save to the USB stick. I gave the video to the PCSD.

[Jim]

@GrottoGirl
Is there a case number from PCSD for the break in? I sent a PM with the Marana PD email, or you can send it to me.