Santa Cruz Deputies Save Mother-Son Camping Trips From Disaster

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A woman and her son nearly had their summer camping plans ruined, but Santa Cruz deputies came to the rescue this past week. Crystal Cook contacted the sheriff's office after her Tepui rooftop tent and car racks, worth nearly $2,000, were stolen on Lompico Road last week. Cook was looking forward to summer outings with her son, but the theft put a dent in plans, so she sleuthed the internet, thinking the thief would attempt to sell her property online.

Indeed, Cook found her gear for sale on Craigslist, and two Santa Cruz deputies were able to identify the seller, according to sheriff's officials. Cook got her her tent and racks back, although at press time the sheriff's office was tracking down the thief.