Hikers returning to the Watershed Park parking lot have found smashed windows and ransacked cars 27 times since January, according to Olympia police, with 12 of those break-ins occurring in the first two weeks of July.

Police and park rangers have responded with increased patrols and posted warnings, but city officials say no significant changes to the lot are planned.

Olympia Police Lt. Paul Lower said suspects are not targeting specific items. They smash a window and grab whatever they can find, often finishing in minutes.

The lot's layout works against prevention: heavy tree cover keeps the area dark even in daytime, and once hikers descend the trail into the ravine along Moxlie Creek, they lose all line of sight back to their vehicles.

Lower added that most victims had already followed standard precautions, locking their cars and keeping valuables out of sight, yet were still targeted.

One victim's experience

46-year-old Jonathon Seaborn returned from a hike on July 5 to find his rear passenger-side window smashed. Nothing of value was taken from his car. But his toddler's car seat was covered in shattered glass.

At least four vehicles were broken into at the park that same day, according to Olympia police.

City response

Park Stewardship Supervisor Amy Stull said rangers from Olympia's Parks, Arts & Recreation department have increased their presence at the lot and posted neon orange warning signs on the park's wooden information board reading: "Always take valuables with you. Vehicle prowl increase."

Rangers have also spoken directly with visitors and issued social media alerts.

"We are discouraged that park visitors are being victimized by people with criminal intentions while they are visiting Watershed and understand that this has caused concern," Stull said.

She added that the city has no plans to significantly alter the Henderson Boulevard parking lot to discourage break-ins.

What visitors can do

Lower urged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to call Olympia Police non-emergency dispatch at 360-704-2740.

The department also asked residents with home security cameras near the park to review footage and contact investigators.

Visitors concerned about leaving a car in the Henderson Boulevard lot can access Watershed Park's 1.35-mile loop trail from pedestrian entrances on Eastside Street or 22nd Avenue, according to the Washington Trails Association.

No arrests have been made in connection with the break-ins. No suspect descriptions have been released.