NICB: Watercraft thefts see decline in 2021
Florida and California saw the most thefts of watercraft in 2021, which had a nationwide recovery rate of 42%.
While auto thefts have been increasing, the number of stolen watercraft in the U.S. has been trending in the opposite direction, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), which reported watercraft thefts declined by 13% in 2021.
The decline represents a return to a downward trend for incidents of watercraft theft. In 2019, the rate dropped 6% compared with 2018, which saw an 8% decrease in stolen watercraft. However, the number of stolen crafts increased 25% in 2020, which saw a total of 5,310 stolen watercraft compared with 4,240 in 2019, according to NICB data.
“Though they provide great family entertainment during the warmer months, there is nothing fun about having your watercraft stolen,” NICB President and CEO David Glawe said in a release. “Buying marine insurance and storing your watercraft in a safe, secure storage facility in the winter are just a couple of simple and effective measures owners can take to protect their investments from theft.”
In addition to encouraging watercraft owners to properly dock watercraft and locking them up with a steel cable and trailer hitch lock, the NICB recommends the following:
- Install a kill switch in the ignition system.
- Install an alarm system designed for boats. Use a hidden tracking device on your boat.
- Park your trailer in a locked garage, secured boat storage facility or well-lit fenced area.
- Park the trailer so that the hitch and engines are difficult to reach.
- Consider removing the battery and steering wheel when stored.
- Be sure your marine insurance policy includes not only the boat, but also your equipment and trailer.
- Keep a copy of your registration and boat title in a safe place.
- Identify and report any suspicious activity. Criminals may scout areas days before stealing items.
- Photograph your boat, all valuable items with it, and their serial numbers.
- Partner with others in your community to actively target criminals and reduce crime.
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