Unfortunately, trailhead break-ins are not new — and they are not rare. Police have made arrests over the years for thefts targeting cars parked near popular hiking trails, including the Cross Hike and the Bump and Grind in Palm Desert. Thieves know one simple truth: hikers are gone for hours and can’t hear alarms.

While there is no foolproof way to guarantee your car won’t be targeted, there are smart, practical steps you can take to drastically reduce the odds of coming back to a smashed window and a ruined day.

Here’s how to keep your stuff safe while you’re out on the trail:

1. Leave valuables at home.
   This is the single most effective move you can make. Wallets, purses, laptops, cameras, and anything you’d be upset about losing should stay home. A thief can’t steal what isn’t there.
2. If you must leave something in the car, use the trunk — before you arrive.
   Do not pull into the parking lot and then move items into the trunk. That defeats the entire purpose. Put everything away before you get anywhere near the trailhead so no one sees you do it.
3. “Hidden” spots are not actually hidden.
   Under the seat, in the glove box, under a jacket, or tucked near a tire? These are the first places thieves look. If it’s visible or predictable, it’s not safe.
4. Take essentials with you.
   Always hike with your phone, ID, keys, and at least one form of payment. Not just for theft prevention — but because getting locked out, lost, or injured without them is a much bigger problem.
5. Scan the parking area before you head out.
   Trust your instincts. If someone is lingering, peering into cars, or sitting in a vehicle without hiking gear, consider another lot or another trail. A slight inconvenience beats a broken window.
6. Park where there are people and movement.
   Busy areas with foot traffic, nearby businesses, or regular activity are less attractive to thieves. For popular trails like the Bump and Grind, parking farther away near stores or main roads can actually be safer — and yes, it counts as extra steps.
7. Leave your car looking boring.
   Empty cup holders, no bags, no cables, no jackets, no “maybe there’s something under that.” Some hikers even leave a simple note stating “No valuables inside.” It won’t stop everyone, but it may encourage a thief to move on.

Trailhead thefts tend to be crimes of opportunity. The goal is not to make your car bulletproof — it’s to make it less appealing than the one parked next to it.

Hike smart. Lock up. And focus on enjoying the trail instead of worrying about what you’ll come back to.