Boat theft, Big business

By: Angie Atalla

Tampa, Florida- This time of year is peak boating season. Kevin Martinez drove to Tampa from Dade City to take one of his two boats out for a relaxing day of fishing. Kevin says he's all too aware of the latest trend when it comes to boats.

Boat theft is now a big business. And one of Kevin's friends is a victim of this growing type of crime. "He had it parked in his front yard and the middle of night he came outside and the boat was there, but the motor was gone," Kevin says.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, more than 1,200 boats were stolen in the Sunshine State just last year.

Lt. Ed Prouty says boat thefts have been reported in every county in the state. He says, "Whatever they can get their hands on, if it's an easy target for them, they'll take it."

Boats are big-ticket items and stolen boats can be big money makers. Lt. Prouty says, "[Thieves steal boats] to resell them or to use them to smuggle drugs or people back to Florida."

And because stolen boats are often used in organized crime or illegal immigration, there's a type of boat favored by thieves. According to Lt. Prouty, "The go-fast boats, the cigarette style boats, are targeted more frequently than other vessels."

Personal watercraft, like a wave runner or jet ski, are also hot items. Lt. Prouty suggests boat owners treat their boats like they do their cars. Turn the engine off, take the keys and lock it up. And boat owner Kevin Martinez offers this advice. "You buy a boat, get insurance 'cause you never know."

FWC suggests, before purchasing a boat, make sure the Hull Identification Number (HIN) exactly matches the HIN listed on the registration and/or title.

Fraud indicators include:

• The boat has been rebuilt, previously reported stolen, sunk or recovered.
• The title or proof of ownership is a duplicate issue or from out of state.
• Registration numbers appear altered or are not uniform.
• The asking price is well below market value. Be suspicious if the price seems "too good to be true."
• Do not purchase any vessel if the seller is unable to produce the title or proof of ownership.

To prevent boat theft:

• Dock your craft in well-lit areas.
• Secure your boat to the dock with a locked steel cable.
• Remove expensive equipment when not in use.
• Chain and lock detachable motors to the boat.
• Remove registration or title papers from the craft.
• Disable the boat when not in use by shutting off fuel lines and removing the battery or distributor cap.
• Use a trailer hitch lock after parking a boat on its trailer.
• Install an alarm system and a kill switch in the igntion system.