Below is an article from today's Seattle P-I about the recent car break-ins on the Skykomish. I haven't had a problem yet on rivers, although I did make the mistake of leaving a fanny pack full of tackle (including fishing license, level wind, lures, etc.) in my rig overnight at home about this time last year. They punched the lock and got the stereo, CDs, and the tackle all to the tune of about $800.

Outdoors Report: Thieves targeting anglers on Sky
Thursday, November 29, 2001

By GREG JOHNSTON
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Authorities are advising anglers parking along the Skykomish River in Snohomish County not to leave valuables in their cars because of a rash of "smash and dash" thefts in recent months.

"We've got a big problem with that," Sultan Police Chief Fred Walser said yesterday. "We've had two in our city, and the county has had quite a few at boat launches and public-access parking areas."

The thieves are smashing the windows of vehicles and taking things like fishing rods and reels, tools, compact discs and other items. Many of the thefts have been in broad daylight.

They apparently began in September, when this fall's large run of pink salmon entered the river, and continued through the coho run, which was also bountiful and is now fading. At least one theft was reported last Saturday.

"It's hit-and-run," Walser said. "The fishing has been so good our fishing access on the Sultan River has been full of cars and trucks. We are concentrating patrols in that area."

Other spots hit include the state boat launches on the Ben Howard Road between Sultan and Monroe, High Bridge east of Gold Bar and a parking area along U.S. 2 anglers use to reach the Reiter Ponds drift.

Walser said his officers were urging anglers not to leave valuables in their cars, and many who fish the river regularly are spreading word about the need to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.