Tips to help protect your car from break-ins at the park

While you’re out and about enjoying local parks and nature trails, don’t forget to take precautions to keep your parked car safe while you’re away.

Over the last few weeks, several car break-ins were reported at parks and nature areas in the Inland Northwest.

Janna Moss was enjoying a day at Orchard Park in Liberty Lake when someone smashed in her car window.

Another park-goer, Robert Bosaaen said the idea of someone trying to break into his car while at the park is always in the back of his mind.

“With all the extra foot-traffic, people don’t notice that somebody is getting in or out of somebody else’s vehicle,” he said. “If somebody wants to do bad things, they’re going to do bad things.”

Bosaaen said he tries to plan ahead to avoid any possible issues.

“Typically, when I know there’s things that are in the vehicle, I’ll take them out of the car before we leave the house. Sometimes, if things get forgotten, I’ll hide it under the seats or cover it with a blanket,” he said.

Another good tip to help protect your park car is to keep it clean and clear of clutter that could attract prowlers.

Also, make sure to check that all the doors are locked before you walk away.

Lastly, try to park somewhere where you can see your car, rather than in a secluded spot.