RE: [Paddlewise] locking up boats

> I agree that a dedicated thief can still just about anything.  But
most
> thefts are thefts of opportunity.  See it, take it.  A simple cable
can
> prevent a lot.  I'm betting most people don't carry bolt cutters or
> hack saws with them.  Could be wrong though...

I can't debate that for the most part, if we're talking small or easily
portable things.  An unlocked bicycle comes to mind - hop on and ride
away or toss it in the trunk. That would be an easy target.  

But with the size and transportation issues of a kayak, the "see it,
take it" scenario seems awfully hard, just because of the transportation
issue. I would think that a potential thief would be looking for kayaks,
and once found, would be prepared to steal it on the spot or come back
for it.  That implies that he would have the tools with him, and the
means to haul it away quickly and quietly.  So, unless the thief is a
joy rider who sees the boat near the water and decides to take a ride, a
kayak thief would probably be prepared with the proper tools (IMHO).

These are all assumptions - I have no concrete evidence to support the
above.  But perhaps Matt does?  Matt, when a boat on your web-site is
recovered, do you gather any statistics regarding the nature of the
crime?  Was the boat locked up?  Was it a thief looking for boats or a
target of opportunity? How did they get the boat transported?  Are
thieves stealing all types of boats equally, or are some types more
prevalent (composite over plastic, sea vs. rec vs. WW) Etc????

It might be enlightening to discover what the highest theft threats are
for kayakers, and that might also point us to the best solution(s) to
protecting our stuff.

Rick

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