This is just a heads-up that I should have posted several days ago.
On the morning of April 17, shortly after 6 A.M., my son and I left the trailhead at Calico Basin to head up Ash Canyon. When we returned, I found that the front windows on the driver and passenger sides had been smashed in. Whoever did it was looking to steal things, as was clear from the open glove compartment and center console.
Fortunately, someone must have happened by and caused them to flee, for I accidentally had left my wallet in the console, in a second compartment they apparently didn't have time to get to, and my DSLR was in the trunk, which they hadn't yet opened.
I'm pretty sure I saw the culprits, though I can't remember them distinctly. Just about a minute after my son and I arrived (we were the only ones there at the time), an older-model American sedan with two young-looking white people, male and female, came tearing into the lot, scraping bottom. While I did not notice a lot of details, they looked grungy and certainly did not look like hikers or climbers. They stayed there a moment and then tore out. I am convinced they were the ones and just waited a bit until we were gone from the car.
As it stood, they got nothing but caused a lot of hassle, especially since it was a rental vehicle. I'm grateful enough not to have lost my camera, ID, cash, and credit cards.
But let this alert people that there may be thieves, possibly looking to feed their drug habits, prowling trailheads in and around Red Rock Canyon right now. Storing valuables out of sight will not deter them. I caution you not to head out for a hike or climb until there is at least one other car there, especially at the more remote trailheads.
I filed a report with the police and the BLM, knowing they would not look for or catch the perps but hoping they might patrol lots more frequently. Anyway, keep a lookout and plan accordingly.
And to the thieves on the off chance you are reading this: I hope some slow suffering is in store for you sometime really soon, you assholes.