Lindeman Lake – (Josh Olund BCIT Radio A&E) – Imagine you go out for a trip to the forest and comeback to your car window being smashed in.
It may seem rare initially, but it’s started to become a common occurrence at some of Chilliwack’s nature destinations. Joan Septembre went for a hike at Lindeman Lake on Saturday. As she pulled into her parking spot, she saw two windows smashed in the car parked next to her.“I’m guessing the owners had camped overnight,” she said.She took pictures of the damage and went about her hike into the woods, thinking about the grief those people will be feeling once they back to their damaged car.
“In the hiking community the Lindeman Lake parking lot, Pierce Lake parking lot, and probably others along that road (Chilliwack Lake Road) are becoming notorious for smashed windows on vehicles, break-ins and even tires being stolen right off the vehicles,” Septembre said. This isn’t a new issue. Similar complaints have come up over the years, and she finds it frustrating that there hasn’t been anything done to stop it.
About a year ago, she said there were talks in a local Facebook hiking group about doing some sort of ‘sting’ operation.“But as far as I know it’s just been talk so far,”Septembre said.RCMP spokesperson Mike Rail said any sport of vigilantism is discouraged. Instead, he encouraged to report any acts of vandalism or theft to the police.Rail said RCMP cruisers run ‘proactive patrols’ on Chilliwack Lake Road all the way up to the lake, but as the weather becomes nicer and parking lots get full, thieves need just one moment to take advantage.“It’s a crime of opportunity anywhere that vehicles congregate,” Rail noted. “Bridal Falls can be another one, and our best advice is to keep your vehicle locked and keep your articles out of sight. Don’t leave wallets and cell phones and other items in your vehicle. Protect your property from being stolen.”
