The Missouri State Water Patrol is investigating thefts that occurred this weekend at a resort located near the 8mm on Lake of the Ozarks. In the early morning hours of April 26, electronics and fishing equipment were stolen from several boats participating in a fishing tournament. The value of the stolen property is estimated at more than $20,000.
Fishing tournament participants continue to be targeted , however, the Missouri State Water Patrol would like to offer all boaters of a few tips to help minimize the risk of property theft.
· Store valuables in secure, locked facilities rather than leaving them out in the open.
· Remove all valuables from boats and docks when possible.
· Items attached or stowed onboard boats should be inventoried with serial numbers, if available. The color, make and model should also be recorded. If an item does not have a serial number, it should be engraved with a personal marking, such as initials. Serial numbers or identifying markings are important in the recovery of stolen property. Photos are helpful, but items that are photographed still need some type of identifying mark.
· Lighting is one of the most effective deterrents to crime. Docks and marinas should be illuminated at night to give the appearance of activity. Lighting on docks can be added in the form of blue dock lights, yellow bug lights or regular lights with sensors or timers.
· Surveillance video cameras may deter thieves and assist authorities in apprehending suspects. They are especially helpful on community docks.
If you see anything suspicious, please report it immediately. If anyone has any information about these thefts or secondary markets for fishing tackle, please contact the Missouri State Water Patrol (573) 751-3333 or go online to http://www.mswp.dps.mo.gov and click on the crime tip link to leave an anonymous tip.
Fishing tournament participants continue to be targeted , however, the Missouri State Water Patrol would like to offer all boaters of a few tips to help minimize the risk of property theft.
· Store valuables in secure, locked facilities rather than leaving them out in the open.
· Remove all valuables from boats and docks when possible.
· Items attached or stowed onboard boats should be inventoried with serial numbers, if available. The color, make and model should also be recorded. If an item does not have a serial number, it should be engraved with a personal marking, such as initials. Serial numbers or identifying markings are important in the recovery of stolen property. Photos are helpful, but items that are photographed still need some type of identifying mark.
· Lighting is one of the most effective deterrents to crime. Docks and marinas should be illuminated at night to give the appearance of activity. Lighting on docks can be added in the form of blue dock lights, yellow bug lights or regular lights with sensors or timers.
· Surveillance video cameras may deter thieves and assist authorities in apprehending suspects. They are especially helpful on community docks.
If you see anything suspicious, please report it immediately. If anyone has any information about these thefts or secondary markets for fishing tackle, please contact the Missouri State Water Patrol (573) 751-3333 or go online to http://www.mswp.dps.mo.gov and click on the crime tip link to leave an anonymous tip.