Spring weather is here and there will be an increase in recreational hikers using hiking access points throughout Vermont. Last year there were numerous car breaks at various hiking access locations in Vermont. This is in part due to the ongoing heroin and opiate challenges the state currently faces. Vermont State Police are warning citizens to not leave valuable items in their vehicles at the trailheads. Some examples would include: purses, ipads, ipods, cash, credit cards, debit cards, social security cards, wallets, and jewelry. These crimes occur each summer and into the fall months in Vermont. Troopers are sending out a pro-active message to citizens to take their valuables with them on their hike or to simply leave valuables at home.
Some areas where frequent car breaks have occurred in the past are as follows: Mt. Philo State Park- Charlotte, Camel's Hump State Park-Huntington & Duxbury, Underhill State Park-Underhill, Snake Mountain Hiking Access-Addison, Falls of Lana Access-Salisbury, Silver Lake Access-Goshen, Lincoln Gap Access-Lincoln, The Robert Frost Trail-Ripton.
If you are a victim of this type of crime immediately cancel your debit and or credit card. If your social security card is stolen, contact one of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Experian, Transunion, Equifax) to put a security freeze on your credit. The above reporting bureaus can be located online.
Troopers will be conducting pro-active patrols at hiking access points throughout Vermont. Vermont State Police ask that you contact your local barracks where the specific incident took place should a crime occur. If you observe any suspicious activity or vehicles at any of the trailheads or hiking access areas contact the State Police Barracks covering that specific area.
Source: VSP 4.17.2015