Sometime between late last Friday and Monday morning, someone cut the chain off of our gate, taking the chain and all locks at west Pleasants Peak.
 
In addition, someone removed a plug from our 1,000 gallon propane tank, and allowed more than 700 gallons of propane to escape. This was discovered Monday morning when one of our contractors came to the site. The plug that was removed was not left on-site, so the contractor performed a make-shift repair until the correct plug could be purchased and installed. 
 
Vandalism is not new in this remote mountain area, however we consider tampering with our propane tank to be far more serious than past issues. While I traveled to the site yesterday, looked to see if any other vandalism had occurred to other structures or facilities along the way. I did not see any other problems to report.
 
If you are aware of any other vandalism in the area, I would appreciate knowing. This also is true for future problems. As you know, there is little to no interest by law enforcement to patrol this area, or even to take reports of thefts or vandalism. Therefore, facility and property owners should band together to tighten security in their own self interest. If you have any suggestions how we might improve our mutual security, I would appreciate hearing your views. This issue might develop into a topic of discussion at the next meeting of the Trabuco District Electronic Users Association. I would be willing to work on a committee to develop better security.
 
In the meanwhile, we are in the process of installing video cameras and recorders at the site to monitor our facilities and gate. If you, or anyone you know has interest in sourcing video recording equipment, I am willing to furnish equipment at cost + 10% for any application that will improve security of any mountain facility or gate in this Forest Service district.
 
Fred Daniel
949 640-8899

Posted by Steve Blodgett
Earthsignals.com