CRIME PREVENTION TIP: Protecting Your Boat and Trailer Against Theft

By  //  May 6, 2019

With summertime quickly approaching in what I believe is the most beautiful place in the country to enjoy water sports, I wanted to focus this week’s crime prevention message on how to protect our boats and equipment against theft and damage.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – With summertime quickly approaching in what I believe is the most beautiful place in the country to enjoy water sports, I wanted to focus this week’s crime prevention message on how to protect our boats and equipment against theft and damage.

Unfortunately, an increase in the water temperature usually means that we have an increase in the amount of boat and equipment thefts, so I asked our Crime Prevention Unit to put together a list of things you can do to help you and your boat stay safe this summer;

1. Be sure there are no valuables stowed or left inside.

2. Keep your boat and trailer registration somewhere else besides in the boat.

3. Do not leave your keys inside the boat. Lock your ignition and consider a hidden kill switch.

4. Lock the wheels to your trailer and lock up the spare tire when possible.

5. Install dead bolts on all doors and secure windows with inside locks.

6. Record your boat’s HIN number and maintain an inventory of your boat and gear to include the name, make, model and serial number or any other identifying marks.

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7. Photograph or use video to record your boat, trailer, and gear.

8. Chain you trailer to a fixed object and install a coupler lock.

9. Remove small outboards and use transom and prop locks on large outboards.

10. Do not park in dimly lighted areas and do not park your vehicle and boat facing the street. (Make it tough for them to get it out of the driveway)

11. Park another vehicle in front of your boat if possible.

12. Get an audible alarm system for your boat.

13. Get a GPS monitor for your boat so it can alert your phone and satellite track your boat in the event it is stolen.

14. If at a dock, lock your hoist control box or turn off power at the breaker and chain your boat to the dock if possible.

Hopefully the Crime Prevention methods listed above will help protect your boat against theft and damage so you and your family can have a fun summer on the beautiful waterways of Brevard County!

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