For anyone training at Skyline Ridge

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Our good friend, Pete, wrote us the following about Russian Ridge/Skyline Ridge parking areas:

"Some friends of mine had their car broken into at Russian Ridge this last Friday. They started their hike at 8:30 in morning and when they returned a couple of hours later their car and all four others in the parking lot had windows smashed and contents removed even tho nothing was of value was visible from the outside. After talking to the rangers up there, they said that Skyline Ridge was hit in a similar fashion that day and it is an ongoing problem.

It sounds like they are not taking much time as they break in whether or not anything can be seen from the outside. My friend had a hidden gym bag stolen with only some clothes and 20 lbs of weights inside. My guess is that they did not flee on foot!

Just letting you know cuz you do have a run up there soon and people may be going up there to train in advance. I would suggest that they take all valuables with them. I would even consider leaving the doors unlocked to prevent the window smashes."

[mweston]

My wife often drives the 1/4 mile to the vista point parking at Russian Ridge rather than walk along Skyline, and has never had a break in. Maybe she's been lucky, or maybe the constant traffic on Skyline keeps the thieves away vs. the somewhat more private parking over on the Alpine side.

Edit: I'm sure break ins do happen at the vista point parking lot too, so be careful regardless.

[thr3ee]

Trailhead break-ins are actually not uncommon in many locations throughout the Bay Area. I had a car break-in some years ago at the Alameda Creek trail in the Niles section of Fremont. Also, I know there have been numerous break-ins at the Mission Peak trailhead especially in the early morning hours. That's why I now always take my jeep if I am going to be out on the trail in the dark. I have a lock-a-trunk in the back, but generally leave the front unlocked. Anything they take from that vehicle will only help make it a little cleaner.

[willgotthardt]

thr3ee said:

Anything they take from that vehicle will only help make it a little cleaner.

Good one.

As you know Steve I also frequently run from the Mission Peak/Stanford Ave trailhead...I've now seen countless broken windows on vehicles of all types, but the reactions/stories are always the same..."can't believe they took my laptop???", "why would they want my backpack???", "that was my favorite leather jacket", etc. Point is don't leave the bait.

Once I came off the hill after a relatively short run of repeats to find a couple police officers and a few hikers surrounding my truck...(Me)"Is there a problem?", (Officer)"How long were you parked here?", (Me)"About an hour-and-a-half", (Officer)"Ok, well his car was here earlier", (Me)"Wow that sucks, how'd they get it?", (Hiker)"I think I left the keys on the front seat", (Me)"Yeah that's probably not a great idea, good luck"

Will G.