MT HOOD, Ore. (KOIN) — Hikers in the Mount Hood area have often been the victims of a frustrating crime that specifically targets backpackers and campers who leave their cars at trailheads overnight.

It’s a problem with no immediate solution in sight — but the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office did a stakeout at Tom, Dick and Harry Trail, hoping to catch the people responsible for breaking into cars.

KOIN 6 News reporter Eileen Park camping near Mt. Hood. (Courtesy of Eileen Park)

“We saw some cars where it looked like there was everything but the kitchen sink in there,” Sgt. Brian Jensen said.

The trailhead is a popular spot for people camping at Mirror Lake or at the top of the ridge. It’s also right by the south shoulder of Highway 26, two miles west of Government Camp, so it’s a popular spot for thieves.

“The problem is a lot of times they’ll go up there, they’ll stay the night,” Jensen said. “They’ll leave the car up at the trailhead, which is several miles from where they’re staying.”

Jensen said Tom, Dick and Harry Trail is among the most common place for break-ins, along with the Salmon River Trailhead and others along Hwy 26, in Welches and Government Camp.

The parking areas are lined with piles of glass from where car windows have been smashed over and over.

With limited staffing and resources and a huge county to cover, the sheriff’s office said there’s really nothing they can do to prevent break-ins.

A car with its windows busted out at the Tom, Dick and Harry trail head near Mt. Hood. (KOIN)

“We would love to,” Jensen said. “This is a large county, unfortunately we can’t be at every single place at every single time.”

People leaving their cars at trailheads just need to know they’re taking a risk when they park there.

“Don’t leave anything in sight,” Jensen said. “Don’t leave anything in your vehicle that looks valuable, may be valuable. I would empty it out and leave absolutely nothing in it at all.”