DRIGGS, Idaho — On Monday, Sept. 1, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) issued a reminder to Teton Valley residents and visitors to properly secure vehicle keys after theft incidents at boat ramp parking areas.
TCSO wrote on Facebook that suspects are “searching the exterior of vehicles looking for hidden keys for easier access for their burglary attempts.”
According to the TCSO, on Aug. 21, a suspect or suspects took items from a vehicle at Harrops Bridge along the Teton River, just north of Tetonia. Earlier in July, another theft incident took place at the Bates Bridge boat ramp near Driggs. In both incidents, the vehicles were not damaged.
TCSO Emergency Communications Manager Kaden Moulton told Buckrail that both thefts have been “fairly similar in circumstance” in that ignition keys were stashed in gas caps, allowing the suspects to gain entry into the vehicles.
“We encourage individuals to bring their vehicle keys with them when they’re recreating on the river, hiking or whatever it may be,” Moulton said, “and not leave keys on the exterior of the vehicle.”
Moulton said that the suspects stole valuable items including fly rods, fishing equipment and other easily resellable gear. These theft incidents are currently still under investigation, according to TCSO.
