Skiers' gear stolen at Breckenridge base area

Breckenridge police are warning skiers and snowboarders to take precautions with their gear after five sets of skis were stolen from the base area at Breckenridge Ski Resort's Peak 8 in recent days.

Four sets of skis were stolen over the holiday weekend. The gear was left outside base area restaurants.

Summit County authorities arrested two young men suspected of stealing three snowboards and a set of skis at Copper Mountain last week. Gunnar Thorngren was charged with conspiracy and theft of $1,000-$20,000 after the gear was found near his car, according to a report from the Summit County Sheriff's Office. The other suspect is a minor.

This season's thefts are similar to the pattern of cases reported last season, officials said. Völkl skis have been a popular target of thieves.

Police encourage skiers and snowboarders to keep an eye on their gear, lock it up when not in use, or split the gear up between racks to decrease the chance it will be taken.

Breckenridge police are working with Vail Resorts to improve video surveillance.