You've probably heard of teens stealing cars for a joy rides, but a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old are in trouble over taking a boat for one.
Indiana Conservation Officers say a patrol boat spotted a boat 'speeding across' Lake Wawasee on Friday, June 8. The 14 year old was said to be driving and the 13 year old was a passenger.
The two teens are facing theft charges.
Indiana conservation officers say there are some helpful tips you can follow to protect your boat and property from theft.
- Never leave the keys in or on your boat.
- If it is
absolutely necessary to leave your key onboard the boat store it in a
combination lock box and only give out the combination to trusted persons.
- Disconnect one or both battery terminal cables when finished with your
outing. If your keys do fall in the wrong hands, a would be thief may not
think to check the battery if they try unsuccessfully to start it up.
- Ensure your boat registration is up to date and
properly displayed. This can help officers quickly locate a stolen
boat through a BMV records check.
- Photograph your boat and property
- Permanently etch or engrave your name onto your
property
- Record your property's identifying information such
as make, model, serial number, etc.
- Remember "out of sight, out of mind", securely store
your valuables out of plain view
- Purchase insurance if possible for your boat and
property
