[Paddlewise] Speaking of Sharks, Kayak Thief Released

I learned today that the prime suspect in the rash SF Bay area kayak thefts
(that occurred in the fall of 2007 and again in the Spring and Summer of 2008)
has recently been released from prison again in the Bay area. In the past he
began advertising and stealing kayaks shortly after being released. Be wary of
any kayak and bike ads you see and insist on meeting the seller at their home
to view the items (rather than allowing the seller to deliver to you or to
meet you at a mutually convenient location). If you see any ads (or have any
experiences) that make you the slightest bit suspicious call Matt at
(206)367-2831 and/or e-mail a copy of the ad to marinerkayaks_at_msn.com

If you contact a suspicious kayak ad (and they return your call--they almost
never answer when you call) do not tell the man (or more likely, the woman)
that you are a BASK member (or even admit knowing what BASK is). The thieves
want to sell to "hicks from the sticks" who are not networked with other
kayakers and therefore not likely to find out the kayak, they thought they got
a good deal on, was actually stolen. The thief is very sophisticated with the
phone system, almost certainly has caller ID, and will likely check you out to
make sure you are who you say you are before even returning your call. If
someone calls you back about your inquiry, the name and number appearing on
your caller ID might even be bogus  (but write it down anyway).

Please become familiar with the Stolen Kayak database at
www.marinerkayaks.com/mkhtml/stolendb.htm (or just Google "Stolen Kayaks"). If
you go to the top of the yellow background "Most Recent" section (near the end
of the database) you can get a pretty good idea by the XXX's in the "Found"
column just how prolific this kayak thief operating in the Bay Area has been.
Those are the ones I've heard about, they are probably just the tip of the
iceberg.

This thief usually steals kayaks from near the water but has also taken kayaks
from parked car racks, kayak storage facilities, and carports. Heavy cables,
hardened chains, and tough locks will only slow him down a little bit and are
not even a deterrent to him. If you have a kayak that could be at risk, and
can't move it to a safer location, I'd suggest you consider a well concealed
security camera with a video tape back-up that monitors your kayaks. Also,
make sure you have taken pictures of your kayaks, written down the serial
numbers, and stored those numbers in a place you will remember. Make a note
(or take a picture) of any distinguishing features, such as, accessories that
have been added to your kayak, damaged areas, or any other markings that might
make it easy for others to identify your kayak if they happen to see it.

Another thing that might help you recover your kayak, should it be stolen,
would be to have written, in heavy felt pen, "If found or purchased call <your
area code and phone number>" in several places inside your kayak, such as, the
cockpit, the compartments, and under hatch lids. If your kayaks cannot be
stored indoors it would be a good idea to remove essential items from them,
such as the hatch lids and gaskets. Store those items inside your home.
Removing essential items during storage will make your kayak considerably less
attractive to any thief by making your kayak much harder to sell. If your
kayak is stolen anyway, the new buyer will likely have to go shopping at a
kayak store (or to the kayak's manufacturer) to replace the missing hatch
covers. If a theft occurs anyway, then ask those retailers and manufacturers
who might sell your kayak model's replacement parts, to be suspicious of
anyone wanting to purchase hatch covers for your kayak model. That will
greatly improve your odds of recovering it.

DO these things NOW! Don't wish you had later!

Please spread the word. Call or e-mail (this notice to) everyone you know
within 100 miles of SF who kayaks (or is thinking about buying a kayak) to
warn them of this threat.
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