Vehicle Burglaries: Stay Safe When Visiting the Park

Vehicle with broken passenger side window.

NPS photo

The San Francisco Bay Area, including Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has high levels of property theft from vehicles. In a nearly six-year period between 2015 and September 2021, San Francisco saw tens of thousands of larceny from auto cases. During this time, National Park Service law enforcement rangers and United States Park Police officers responded to more than 3,969 cases in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, and Presidio of San Francisco.

 

When visiting the park, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. “If You See Something, Say Something!” Your report could save the next visitor from being a victim of crime.

Protect your vehicle and belongings when visiting the park:

1. ONLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR PARK VISIT — Leave your valuables at home or rental/hotel. Make arrangements to drop off luggage at hotel or rental property before visiting the park. If you must store any personal items in the trunk of your car, do so before you arrive at your destination. Criminals may be watching the trailheads and parking lots.
2. SECURE YOUR VEHICLE — Keep doors locked and windows completely closed. Always lock your vehicle, even if you only step away from it for a moment. Never leave your car unattended when it is idling.
3. TAKE YOUR KEYS — Never leave your car keys, key fobs, house keys, or garage door opener in your vehicle. Be careful of where you keep your spare key. Don't store your spare key on the inside or outside of your car. It can make it easy for thieves to steal your car. A thief can easily steal your vehicle, if the car has a push-start feature.
4. TAKE VALUABLES WITH YOU — Thieves can find credit cards, cell phones, laptops, computers, or other devices by scanning for Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or wireless signals. Turn electronics completely off if you leave items hidden in your vehicle. Take ID's, credit cards, passports, backpacks, cell phones, electronics, cameras, backpacks, and purses with you.
5. KEEP ITEMS OUT OF SIGHT — Make sure luggage, shopping bags, and other items are hidden. Never leave anything on the seats, dashboard, or floor.
6. ACTIVATE YOUR CAR ALARM — Turn on your car alarm so the siren will be triggered if someone opens the car door or attempts to start the car. Hopefully, the noise will be enough to deter a thief, since they won't want the attention the alarm brings.
7. BE ALERT — If you observe suspicious activity or experience criminal activity in the park, call our 24-hour park dispatch center:

• Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505

• Emergency: 415-561-5656

If you need a copy of your Incident Report (Police Report) see our webpage "How to Request a Police Report" for more details.