MARCO ISLAND POLICE OFFER FREE VESSEL SECURITY SURVEYS TO PREVENT THEFT
Boat stolen on Marco Island prompts free security assessments to residents with boats
Marco Island, FL--The City of Marco Island Police Department is investigating a boat theft that occurred between Tuesday (1/22/08) at 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday (1/23/08) morning at 10:00 a.m. A 38' Fountain center console sport fishing boat was stolen from a lift on the southern part of Marco Island. The boat has a blue lower hull with a white upper hull and a blue t-top.
Anyone that has seen this boat or witnessed anything suspicious during this time frame should contact the Marco Island Police Department at 239-389-5050. The Marco Island Police Department is working with its various local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners and the investigation continues.
Recently, center consoles boats between 26' to 40' in length, with double or triple outboard engines have been targeted. In December 2007, a 31' Pursuit center console sport fishing boat was taken from a lift behind a home on the eastern portion of Marco Island. The United States Coast Guard in international waters north of Cuba subsequently recovered the vessel.
As boat theft is a growing problem in Southwest Florida boat owners must protect their boating investment and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior around vessels in the area. Boat thieves are attracted to vessels that are easy to access or in a remote location.
“We have been very proactive educating and requesting residents to secure their boats,” said, Lt. Dave Baer. “We want residents with larger center consoles boats with double or triple outboard motors to call us and we will help them assess their boat’s vulnerability to a theft.” A police officer will come to your home and assess the current security of your vessel and offer suggestions to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of boat theft.
Boater owners can reduce the risk of theft by the following methods include:
Moving the boat lift’s electrical power shut-off inside your house or garage.
Securing the boat to the lift.
Securing the lift to the dock
Install an alarm system on your dock.
Install a GPS enable alarm system on your boat.
Installing covert fuel cut-off or ignition / battery switches.
Exterior lighting that shines on you vessel and dock.
Remove the keys from your boat when on the lift.
Removing all valuables to include GPS, Radar, and Radios.
Boats on trailers have specific vulnerabilities. Use the strongest locks and chains available to secure the boat and trailer. Lock boats or personal watercraft to their trailer. Lock the trailer to something secure or install a hitch lock. Park your trailer nose-in when able.~ Lock outboard motors to the vessel transom. There are specialized products available for this use. Use good, heavy-duty hardware on doors, windows, and portholes. Keep the curtains closed. Store your boat in a protected location at home when able.~Take your keys home with you at the end of the day. Purchase and install an alarm system. Consider hiring a professional boat watching service.
Maintain a contact list of their emergency numbers to ensure they are notified if there is a problem with their vessel.
Marco Island is a boating community, which includes 22 miles of shoreline, six large bays, the Marco River, three creeks, two small islands and 290 canals. It takes an active partnership between neighbors, the community, and law enforcement to stop these thefts. The Island’s unique geography make it imperative that we all help watch over our neighbor’s homes and boats.
If see or hear something suspicious, contact the City of Marco Island Police Department at 239-389-5050 for any reason anytime.
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