Earlier in the week, the Elizabethton Star ran a story on the rash of vehicles that have been vandalized and burglarized at trailheads and recreation area parking lots within the Cherokee National Forest and state park properties, in or near Carter County.
The area contains many popular outdoor destinations such as Roan Mountain, Watauga Lake and Blue Hole Falls.
The Forest Service advises citizens to lock car doors. It may seem simple, but it is the most common mistake people make. Also, items, especially valuable ones, should be locked in the trunk, or left under seats. Items should never be left in plain sight. Thieves tend to target vehicles that are "worth breaking into." If a thief sees something such as a radar detector, an Ipod or a wallet, the thief is more likely to break into the vehicle.
A lesser thought of tip is to never back a vehicle into a parking space. If a car's trunk is facing the woods, a thief can simply hide behind the vehicle and break into the trunk. The forest service advises citizens to pull into a parking space, rather than backing in.
After parking, citizens should observe other vehicles in the parking lot. Note other vehicles, write down license plates and any descriptions of suspicious vehicles. If there is anything suspicious, contact local law enforcement or the forest service.
Victims of break-ins and vandalism should immediately call 911 and the sheriff's department. Citizens may also call the Cherokee National Forest and speak to a law enforcement officer.
Anyone planning a hike in this area should give this
article a read.
Jeff
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