Vandals Trash Vehicles Left At Trailheads

Vehicle break-ins and vandalism at trailheads appear to be increasing around the Flathead National Forest, and there seems to be frustratingly little that hikers and police can do about it.

Julie Smiley of Columbia Falls fell victim when she and a friend went camping near Jewel Basin in the Swan Range earlier this summer. Returning to their car, they found the police waiting for them.

While she and her friend were camped not far away, vandals had targeted her 1983 Honda Accord. Police believe the vandals started by globbing melted marshmallows onto the paint job. Apparently bored with that, they broke the windshield wipers and headlights and bent back the hood. Finally, they took an ax to the trunk and roof of the car.

“They totaled the car. They didn’t take anything. That’s the ironic part. It was just malicious,” said Flathead National Forest law enforcement officer Dianna McKinley.

“The trailhead incidents have started in the past four or five years,” said Lynn Ogle, chief sheriff’s detective. “More people are going to bring more problems.”

What can hikers do?

McKinley says they can arrange to be dropped off at trailheads and picked up later, rather than leave a car.

If something valuable must be left in the car, Ogle said, lock it in the trunk, which is somewhat more difficult to break into.

Avoid leaving your car alone, instead parking it next to other cars in the lot.

If you’re particularly worried, jot down the numbers of other cars in the parking area and pocket the list. If your car gets trashed, police can use the list to interview other hikers and perhaps collect clues.