MALIBU—On February 16, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released a warning to the public regarding a recent string of vehicle burglaries that have occurred near hiking trails in the unincorporated areas of Malibu/Lost Hills and in the city of Malibu. As of press time, 12 incidents have been reported.

According to local law enforcement, the burglaries occurred often on the weekends between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The culprits targeted the vehicles of people who were hiking. After smashing the vehicles’ windows, the burglars took purses, GPSs, cell phones and credit cards. Officials claim that most of the property was in plain sight such as on the dash or in the console.

The trails that have been hit by the burglars include Malibu Creek, Solstice Canyon Park, Backbone Trail, Escondido Canyon and Arroyo Sequit Park. Four vehicles were burglarized on the same day at 27500 Mulholland Hwy. (Arroyo Sequit Park).

There are no suspects at this time. Hikers are advised to avoid leaving anything of value in their vehicles while hiking.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau at 818-878-1808.