Just as Florida is one of the most popular places in the United States for boating, it also leads the nation in watercraft thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
A recent Crime Bureau report showed 16,115 watercraft were reported stolen between Jan. 1, 2009, and May 31, 2011. Thefts have been on the decline, the bureau reported, down 11 percent to 6,663 in 2010 from 7,485 in 2009, based on data from the National Crime Information Center.
It's no surprise to a Palm Coast insurance agency that watercraft thefts are high. It is one reason that watercraft owners should do everything they can to protect against theft and to protect their investment. Leaving a boat unlocked and unattended is just too much an invitation for it to get stolen.
The good news is that 6,343 watercraft stolen in the 18-month period were recovered by law enforcement. Unfortunately watercraft owners would still need insurance coverage because the boats are often damaged in the theft.
Following Florida in having the most thefts were California, Texas, North Carolina and Michigan. The top five in recoveries were Florida, California, Texas, Washington and North Carolina. All of the states have big coastal areas with Florida and Michigan nearly surrounded by water.
Small craft, such as canoes, kayaks, johnboats, sculls and skiffs, were the most targeted by thieves. Next was jet skis followed by runabouts, utilities and cruisers.
With a year-round boating season, a Palm Coast insurance agency also knows watercraft thefts are a year-round problem in Florida. The Palm Coast insurance agency agrees with the crime bureau that watercraft owners should follow these tips:
-- At the dock, secure it with a steel cable and lock it
-- Take expensive electronics and other gear with you
-- Chain and lock your motor to the boat
-- Don't leave your title or registration in your boat
-- Shut off the fuel line or remove the battery
-- Lock the trailer hitch if you park your boat on the trailer
-- Use a kill switch on the ignition
A Palm Coast insurance agency knows there is no way to stop a crafty thief from getting what he wants sometimes, but following precautions never hurts. The same can be said for following safe operating procedures when you are out on the water.
The O'Quinn Agency is a Palm Coast insurance agency that offers insurance for autos, boats, homes and motorcycles in East Central Florida.
A recent Crime Bureau report showed 16,115 watercraft were reported stolen between Jan. 1, 2009, and May 31, 2011. Thefts have been on the decline, the bureau reported, down 11 percent to 6,663 in 2010 from 7,485 in 2009, based on data from the National Crime Information Center.
It's no surprise to a Palm Coast insurance agency that watercraft thefts are high. It is one reason that watercraft owners should do everything they can to protect against theft and to protect their investment. Leaving a boat unlocked and unattended is just too much an invitation for it to get stolen.
The good news is that 6,343 watercraft stolen in the 18-month period were recovered by law enforcement. Unfortunately watercraft owners would still need insurance coverage because the boats are often damaged in the theft.
Following Florida in having the most thefts were California, Texas, North Carolina and Michigan. The top five in recoveries were Florida, California, Texas, Washington and North Carolina. All of the states have big coastal areas with Florida and Michigan nearly surrounded by water.
Small craft, such as canoes, kayaks, johnboats, sculls and skiffs, were the most targeted by thieves. Next was jet skis followed by runabouts, utilities and cruisers.
With a year-round boating season, a Palm Coast insurance agency also knows watercraft thefts are a year-round problem in Florida. The Palm Coast insurance agency agrees with the crime bureau that watercraft owners should follow these tips:
-- At the dock, secure it with a steel cable and lock it
-- Take expensive electronics and other gear with you
-- Chain and lock your motor to the boat
-- Don't leave your title or registration in your boat
-- Shut off the fuel line or remove the battery
-- Lock the trailer hitch if you park your boat on the trailer
-- Use a kill switch on the ignition
A Palm Coast insurance agency knows there is no way to stop a crafty thief from getting what he wants sometimes, but following precautions never hurts. The same can be said for following safe operating procedures when you are out on the water.
The O'Quinn Agency is a Palm Coast insurance agency that offers insurance for autos, boats, homes and motorcycles in East Central Florida.
