Car break-ins are still happening at remote areas of Bainbridge Island, but they have declined since cameras were placed around parking areas at some trailheads.

BI police chief Joe Clark said the break-ins have been sporadic, but there have been 17 this year already. The Grand Forest parking area has been a popular spot.

Thanks to the cameras, which have been up for about a month now, police are focusing in on a possible culprit in one case, he said.

Clark said a thief can scope out a car, break a window and get “in and out of there in a short time.” He said it’s a calculated risk to not get caught by a passerby but one some people seem to be willing to take.

The best defense against being a victim of such a crime is to not leave valuables in the car, especially in plain sight. Hide them, put them in the trunk or take them with you.

“It will lower the temptation,” Clark said. “Most won’t break glass if they can’t see anything there.”

He said thieves will break the glass if they even see just a backpack because they don’t know what’s in it. “They will take the valuables and get rid of the rest.”

Clark said especially don’t leave spare keys or credit cards in a vehicle if you are going to be gone for any length of time. If something does get stolen be sure to report it to police.