Posted by: Media Relations

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office, is wanting to remind those visiting our beautiful lakes and rivers this summer to be careful. Not only for the hidden dangers in the waters but also for personal belongings left in vehicles. Each year, hundreds of valley residents, flock to the area lakes and rivers to cool off in the water and enjoy the day with family. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office would like everyone to remember while they are enjoying the water, to be sure and wear a life jacket, as the water may have sudden drop offs and the bottom can have hidden hazards. Also we are asking everyone to be vigilant and keep all valuables out of sight. If possible, take personal belongings with you to your destination, but if you can't, then we are asking that you lock those valuables in the trunk of the vehicle. Every year, after people have had an enjoyable day with family, some return to their vehicles to find a broken window and their purse, wallet and or cell phones taken.  We want to educate the public and help them have a great time and also return to their vehicles and still have their valuables locked securely in the trunk. Each summer, deputies are called to the popular swimming areas along Highway 190, Highway 198 and other popular locations, for stolen items that were left locked in the vehicle, but left laying on the front seat in plain view.  We are also asking everyone to be vigilant and if you see a suspicious vehicle driving in the area or persons looking into vehicles, please call the Sheriff's Office at 733-6218 or 1-800-808-0488 and report the suspicious vehicles and persons. Be ready to provide a description of the person or persons and vehicle with a license plate number if possible. We want everyone to have an enjoyable day and not have it ruined, by a few who prey on those who may have forgotten to lock there valuables in the trunk of the vehicle.