Reminder: Marine related thefts are on the rise; keep your property safe

The Upper Keys have seen a recent increase in outboard boat engine thefts. Fenced-in lots have not been a deterrent in some cases as criminals are cutting their way onto private property. In each case, steering cables, fuel lines and wiring harnesses are cleanly severed.

The Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies are working hard to catch the people who are committing these crimes.  Like most property crimes, marine related thefts are primarily crimes of opportunity. If you provide the opportunity, a thief will take advantage of it.

Here are a few tips for keeping your property safe:

• Remove the keys from the boat; if it is on a lift, turn the breaker off in the house to disable it.
• •  Install motion sensor lights and make sure areas around your boat are well lighted.
• •  Remove the steering wheel if the boat won’t be used for a long time.
• •  Install a GPS tracking device on your boat and/or engines.
• •  Install a boat alarm. Alarms are very effective at preventing equipment and boat thefts.
• •  Disconnect the batteries to disable the trim/tilt function.
• •  If the boat is on a trailer, chain the rims together or boot one of the wheels to prevent the entire boat from being stolen.
• •  Keep a trailer hitch lock on at all times.
• •   Install bolt locks on the engine or put extra-long engine bolts on and bend the ends.
• •   Back the boat close to a house, wall, or other stationary object.
• •   Keep valuable electronics in a secure location.
• •   Engrave your driver’s license number or make a distinctive marking on your valuable property for identification purposes.

•   Don’t leave fishing and diving equipment unattended outside.

If you know anything at all about marine related thefts in the Florida Keys, call the Sheriff’s Office. You can also call Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. Tipsters can remain anonymous and, if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller would be eligible for a cash reward. The Crime Stoppers hot line number is 1-800-346-TIPS.