SEATTLE (AP) — Federal prosecutors say Mount Rainier National Park rangers used a ‘bait car’ loaded with electronic devices and camping gear to try to crack a recent reported increase in car burglaries at the park.
A ranger kept watch on one such bait car parked last weekend at the Crystal Lakes Trailhead. Early Sunday morning, he watched two people drive up, break in and remove the valuables, then drive off. Other rangers pulled the car over a short distance away and found not only the bait car’s bounty but credit cards and driver’s licenses linked to other car prowls.
The U.S. attorney’s office says two Enumclaw, Wash., residents, 39-year-old Jamie David Spain and 44-year-old Dawn Marie Gale, have been charged with theft of government property, theft of personal property and malicious mischief.
Chief Ranger Chuck Young cautions park visitors not to leave valuables in their cars.
