[Posted by Chuck Almdale]

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Orange County, a bit north of Newport Beach, has been a great birding spot for more decades than I’ve been a birder. Unfortunately, local thieves, perhaps working in bands, have heard about it as well, but for them it’s as a good spot to loot unattended cars and (apparently) sometimes follow you as you leave and rob you somewhere along the way or even at your home. This has been a problem for at least five years. A recent post on the OC bird chat line alerted local birders, yet again, to the continuing problem. There is a second message farther down.

Sad to say, but probably good advice anywhere, these days: If anyone inquires about your gear, even in the context of “Hi! See anything good?” and they don’t look like a birder, assume they’re more interested in your gear than you, your hobby or the birds and act accordingly.

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SUBJECT: BOLSA CHICA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE CAR BREAK IN RESPONSE
To Whom it May Concern:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is aware of several recent car break-ins at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (BCER) public parking lots. It appears that these break-ins have been targeted, with the criminals watching where some visitors are hiding belongings in their cars. It is also believed that the criminals are blending in with everyday visitors, hiding in plain sight.

We know BCER is important to so many of you, and we are deeply sorry that it has not been a safe place for everyone. CDFW’s Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Manager is constantly working to find ways to stop and prevent these crimes. CDFW is collaborating with the City of Huntington Beach Police Department to increase patrols in the area. The Bolsa Chica Reserve Watch volunteers have been informed of the increase in illegal activities and reminded to report all suspicious activity. CDFW also continues to improve signage and is working with the City of Huntington Beach and the BCER non-profit groups (Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Bolsa Chica Land Trust, and Bolsa Chica Conservancy, along with Sea and Sage Audubon Society) to finalize the installation of surveillance cameras. Additionally, we strongly rely on your assistance in preventing criminal activity at BCER. It will take the combined efforts of all groups and individuals to prevent car break-ins and to catch the criminals involved.

HOW TO PREVENT AND REPORT CRIME:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• Do not leave belongings (purse/wallet, computer, books, equipment, etc.) unattended, and if possible, leave them at home.
• If you need to hide any belongings, do so before you arrive at the parking lot.
• If you have a state beach pass, do not leave it in plain sight (such as hanging on your rearview mirror).
• Call 911 if you witness an active break-in.
• Contact HBPD at 714-960-8811 if you are a victim of a car break-in at BCER. If possible, remain on-site so the police department can collect any evidence.
• It is incredibly important to report all car break-ins to the police! When incidents go unreported, it is much harder for us to understand the extent of the issue and find appropriate solutions.
• If you have previously been the victim of a car break-in and have not reported it, you can still do so.

Thank you for your support!
Melissa Borde
Reserve Manager-Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
California Department of Fish and Wildlife

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The following message was posted later on the OC bird chat line by a well-known Orange Co. birder. I edited it slightly.

Good advice for a sad situation. I would add one more warning for wildlife photographers: be aware of cars following you as you leave as you may be followed. We made a stop in Huntington Beach after leaving Bolsa Chica, and our car trunk was broken into and we lost over $12K in camera gear. We were targeted and followed, but glad it did not turn into a home invasion. We’re now alert especially to single men talking on their cell phone on the footbridge and anyone asking us about our crappy camera gear.