CAMP VERDE, AZ -- Officials are warning hikers this holiday weekend about vehicle burglaries at popular trailheads in the Camp Verde area.
According to Yavapai County Sheriff's spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn, deputies responded to three reported vehicle burglaries on Fossil Creek Road just off Highway 260 last Saturday.
At the same time, three more vehicle burglaries were reported from the Clear Creek day use area on the opposite side of Highway 260.
The suspects got into the vehicles by smashing windows to get to the locks, opening already unlocked doors, or forcing partially open windows down to get inside. The thefts occurred during daylight hours, said D'Evelyn.
The suspects reportedly took cash, coins and electronics. In at least two cases, suspects stole driver's licenses and social security cards. The ID cards were taken from a purse in one vehicle and a wallet was stolen from another vehicle.
D'Evelyn said YCSO wants to remind those parking vehicles at trailhead locations to avoid storing valuables in an unattended vehicle.
He warned that suspects are able to monitor these areas and take advantage of the likelihood vehicle owners will be away from their cars for an extended time enjoying the outdoors.
YCSO also suggests that citizens never
carry Social Security Cards with them as the loss of this information can lead to identity theft and credit problems when information is used illegally.
YCSO is seeking anyone with information regarding these vehicle burglaries to contact the Sheriff's Office at 928-771-3260 or report information anonymously to Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232. Callers to Silent Witness become eligible for a cash reward.
