California State Parks Seeks Public Assistance To Safeguard Parking in Montaña de Oro State Park

   Los Osos, CA: California State Parks is asking the public visiting Montaña de Oro State Park to take precautions to safeguard valuables in parked cars. Since May 2006 there have been nearly a dozen reported instances where people returning from hikes on trails within the park have found that their vehicle had been burglarized.

   Usually, the vehicle was locked but a window was broken to gain entry. Items taken included wallets, purses, backpacks, and cameras were left in plain sight. Burglarized vehicles were usually parking amongst other vehicles that were not touched, indicating that someone was walking around and peering into vehicles looking for valuables. Most break-ins have occurred between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

   State Parks will be stepping up patrols in the area and asking the public to safeguard valuables by locking them in the trunk or keeping them in their possession. Also be watchful for persons walking around parking areas and looking into cars. The public is asked to call 911 to report any suspicious activity or if they feel they're being watched by someone in a nearby vehicle.

   California State Parks provides high quality outdoor recreational experiences while providing a safe facility for the park experience. The public is asked to help State Parks to reasonably minimize the risk of vehicle break-ins by taking the proper precautions while visiting all State Parks. For further information, please contact Ray Smith, Supervising State Park Ranger at (805) 772-7630 ext. 35.