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Thieves target vehicles parked in Metroparks
(by Sue Reid - November 26, 2008)
Thieves target vehicles parked in Metroparks
By SUE REID
A rash of vehicle break-ins has plagued the 16 reservations of the Cleveland Metroparks for the past two months, according to Dianna Kall, public information specialist for the district's ranger department.
"It's hitting everywhere. When this came to our attention, we had increased visibility and patrol in all of our reservations," she said. Ranger officials spoke with park visitors, asking them if they have seen any suspicious activity, she said.
They are finishing up an undercover operation and hope to have information later this week, Ms. Kall said. "We do have the lead on some suspects."
The Metroparks reservations are in six counties, including South Chagrin Reservation in Bentleyville, Moreland Hills and Solon and North Chagrin Reservation in Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills and Gates Mills.
Park rangers have jurisdiction within the reservations. They patrol the parks in vehicles, on foot, on bike and mounted units.
Ms. Kall said the break-ins mostly have occurred in the daytime. It appears that most of the victims have had belongings in plain site in their vehicles, she said. Some of the vehicles have been locked and others left unlocked, she said.
"We've had communications with police departments within our reservations, and they are noticing the same thing," Ms. Kall said.
Safety tips for people visiting the Metroparks are available in brochures offered at the district's nature centers and field offices.
"We tell people to always carry their cell phone in the case of emergency and to be aware of their surroundings," Ms. Kall said.
It's also important to leave as many valuables at home as possible, she said. "We do recommend people securing valuables if they didn't leave them at home in their trunk." Most of the people who use the reservations are walking, hiking or jogging, she said. "They should prepare at home for that," she said, bringing only their driver's license, car key and cell phone.
Ms. Kall said people often intend on taking a short 10-minute walk, which turns into an hour. "They don't realize they left items visible in their vehicle," she said.
It's also important to be aware of what is carried in wallets and purses, she said. If credit cards are stolen, they should be canceled immediately, and individuals should carry as little cash as possible, she said. It's becoming more common for people to travel with their laptops in their cars to conduct business, Ms. Krall said. "If you can leave it secure at home or work, that would be a help."
It's also important for visitors to know their location in the park system, she said. Those calling 911 for an emergency can then more easily be located, she said.
Anyone with information on the incidents in the parks is asked to call ranger headquarters at (440) 331-5530. Ranger dispatch operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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