Jefferson City, MO – With boating season in full swing, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding boat owners to take extra steps to protect their property from theft.
According to the Highway Patrol’s Water Patrol Division, marine theft is a growing issue across Missouri and often occurs when thieves find easy opportunities. Items such as motors, electronics, trailers, and even entire vessels are among the most common targets. Officials urge boaters to remember the three keys of theft prevention: time, noise, and visibility.
The Patrol advises owners to remove valuables from boats, mark equipment with identifiable serial numbers, and keep photographic records of gear. Dock lockers should be secured with heavy-duty locks, and trailers stored in garages, fenced areas, or secured with hitch locks. Boat propellers and outboard motors, which are also frequent targets, should be removed or locked when not in use.
Officials also warn about personal watercraft such as jet skis, which are highly portable and often resold. They recommend securing them with coated cables, chains, or shielded locks to fixed objects and always removing the kill switch when unattended.
“Marine thefts can happen in just seconds, whether a boat is kept on private property or at a marina,” the agency noted in a recent social media post. “Simple steps like locking gates, storing valuables properly, and documenting equipment can make a big difference.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides a downloadable Marine Security Record form for owners to track serial numbers and report thefts quickly. Boaters are also encouraged to be vigilant in their communities by forming dock-watch groups and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
More information on theft prevention resources is available at www.motroopers.com under the Water Patrol Division tab.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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