The Sheriff’s Office reminds hikers to think about personal safety precautions before they head out for a hike. The Sheriff’s Office has recently taken two separate reports for sex crimes that occurred on rural hiking trails in Santa Barbara County.

On Oct. 11, a suspect accosted a female and threatened to sexually assault her on the Baron Ranch Trail. In another case, a victim was sexually assaulted Nov. 8, on the Aliso Trail. Both offenses involved a female victim and a male suspect, although it is unclear if the suspect in both cases is the same.

Both incidents occurred on rural hiking trails that had few fellow hikers.

These investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to call Sheriff’s detectives at 805-681-4150 or provide an anonymous tip on the sheriff’s Office website.

As detectives continue investigating these cases and as the holiday weekend is here, the Sheriff’s Offices offers the following safety considerations for those who plan on hiking:

· Hike with a companion, preferably from your household to be COVID-19 safe.

· Complete a trip plan that details where you will be walking or hiking, your contact information, when you plan to arrive and return, and who is coming with you. Leave this information with a trusted friend or family member who is not going on the hike with you.

· Begin your hike with enough time to make it back before the sun sets.

· Have a way to communicate. Do not rely on your cell phone because there may not be cellular coverage and reception. Consider having a personal locator beacon, should you need to call for help.

If you are using your cell phone, keep the battery fully charged. Searching for a cell signal can quickly drain your phone battery, so consider turning off your phone or switching to airplane mode until you need it.