March 4, 2005

DIVISION OF WATERCRAFT OFFERS TIPS FOR PREVENTING BOAT THEFT
Boats less than 20 feet long, personal watercraft are favorite targets

COLUMBUS, OH – Many Ohioans take steps everyday to protect their cars from theft, and watercraft officers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) say boat owners should take similar care to secure their vessels.

“Boats less than 20 feet long, personal watercraft, and boats that are easily transported and stored such as canoes and kayaks are favorite targets,” said Todd Doncyson, law enforcement administrator for the Division of Watercraft. “It is also important to protect boating equipment and other related personal property before thieves strike.”

The following are some basic safety tips offered by the Division of Watercraft:

• Be sure all watercraft are properly titled and registered and include a hull identification number.
• While a boater always must have a valid boat registration aboard the craft when it is in operation, it is important to not leave this document on an unattended boat or personal watercraft where it might easily be found. Keep all boat ownership records safely secured in a special file, lockbox or safety deposit box.
• Maintain and keep in a secure location off the boat a list of all equipment and personal property normally kept on a boat during the boating season. Be sure to include serial numbers, model numbers, manufacturer names, purchase receipts and photographs of such items.
• Engrave or mark boats and equipment with a special number for easy identification.
• Most boats are stolen on shore. If you trailer your boat, be sure to always lock it to the trailer, lock the trailer to a tree or post when possible, use a trailer hitch lock, keep the boat out of sight within a fenced area or enclosed storage building and record the serial number, make and model number of the trailer and store that information along with your other important documents.
• To prevent theft of personal property from a boat, take equipment home when possible, such as seat cushions, life jackets, radios and fishing equipment. Never leave keys in your boat’s ignition. Install a master power switch in a hidden location.
• If a theft does occur, report the incident to local law enforcement and call your insurance company immediately. If theft occurs at a marina, notify the owner or harbormaster. Provide written notification to the ODNR Division of Watercraft.