Car Window Smashed in, Valuables Stolen at Rattlesnake Trail Head

On March 6, hikers at the Rattlesnake trail-head near Sawmill Gulch Road returned to their vehicle only to find the rear window smashed-in with a rock.

A laptop and purse were taken in the incident.

"It's the second vehicle break-in this week," said Missoula County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jason Johnson. "We see these kind of cases quite often, but as things heat up and more people hit the trail-heads, it's important that they not leave valuables in the vehicle where they can be seen."

Johnson suggests that items such as purses, GPS devices, cell phones, and other valuables be locked up in the trunk of the car where they cannot be seen or accessed easily without a key.

Information about the break-in would go a long way in helping investigators. Tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 721-4444. Those who submit information may be able to receive up to $1,000.