Gas Theft On Table Rock

[bigredbirdfan]

Maybe this is an opportunity to manufacture and sell a gas cap that will lock that currently is not available. Sounds like lots of people would buy one for $25-$50 to keep their investment safe.

[Growler]

Yes, this has been a problem for many years. about 15 years ago, my dad had his dock "violated" on Tablerock. They stole everything that wasn't nailed down. The sheriff said they thought they knew who it was, but didn't have enough evidence to prosecute.

Our guess was they were taking stolen tackle to other towns and selling it in pawnshops. That was before e-bay, which has just made it easier to get rid of stolen merchandise.

We installed motion sensor lights, and never had another problem. Seems they (theives) like the shadows and are shy about exposing themselves to a lit-up dock. Plus the lights were convenient when we would come in after dark. I really like the idea bigredbirdfan has about the motion controlled game cameras. If we would have had that technology back then, I would have installed them.

I, like others, urge you to keep a calm head though. A bullet could cause you all sorts of undue grief, while simple pictures would provide proof, and possibly prosecution.

G

[techo]

Those motion sensored lights are a huge key. A better penalty to the thieves (if caught) wouldn't hurt either. I guess this is one of the reasons I trailer my boat. It takes me less than a minute to load and load my boat in most cases. Sometimes there is a wait at the ramp, but it gives you a chance to visit with the other fisherpeople. The wait is icky poo if you need to use the restroom though!

[Danoinark]

As they are written theft would not be considered a defense (unless your life was threatened) under any of the castle laws that I am aware of. The other problem (even if you were not found guilty) is civil liability (re: OJ Simpson) Not worth the 200 under any circumstances. But I understand your frustration. You have a dang good right to be upset as any of us would be.

Dano

[tucker]

Warning !!!! If you keep your boat on a lift or tied to a dock on Table Rock overnight, gasoline thieves are targeting boats with filler openings on the stern of the boat that are easily accessed from the water after dark. I personally lost 35 gallons in the past two weeks.

Our area has been hit hard and we have formed a neighborhood watch that will take turns standing armed guard on the dock at night and there are enough people pissed-off to spell each other frequently. We figure this is the only solution as no one makes locking gas caps that fit our fillers. Water Patrol and Sherriff are helpless so it's up to the property/boat owners and we are resolved. If I were a night fisherman I would keep a far distance from public Marinas which are posted anyway with no fishing signs so suggest you not try sneaking in on the trolling motor.

If any of the guilty parties are reading this ( which I seriously doubt ) I hope to heaven it's my turn when you come back as I shoot to kill and have had plenty of practice at it in the past thanks to Uncle Sam. I want to watch you bleed and hope you enjoy the six foot hole they will put you in if the turtles leave anything to bury. It will be worth the price of admission to jail and a bail bondsman and attorney to snuff your miserable life.

Think this is an idle threat ? Please try it again and see.....

I feel your pain as I have had equipment stolen too, however I also like to fish at night and as my young son gets older and begins fishing with me I would like to think he will be safe. I can't imagine some out0-of-control angry person killing my son because the out-of-control angry person shoots first then asks questions later. THINK ABOUT IT!

[Dawgsquat]

Don't shoot the thief, shoot holes in his boat. Lots of 'em.

[Fishhand]

With my cast, I've been known to wrap a line around a guide wire, railing, boat lift, etc. I would sure hate to be mistaken for a burglar when trying to retrieve a snagged lure.

Motion lights are a great idea and would definitely be an affordable option as a deterrent. At least until they stole the motion lights.

[CaptainJoe]

(skeeter @ Jul 1 2008, 10:01 PM) If I were a night fisherman I would keep a far distance from public Marinas which are posted anyway with no fishing signs so suggest you not try sneaking in on the trolling motor.

Recent court decisions have outlawed these "no fishing" signs. BASS led the way to get them banned. You can fish in public marinas. The signs are illegal. "Sneaking" up on bass is what we do. You have communicated a threat, which is a serious offense and much more serious than stealing a tank of gas. I would suggest you immediately edit your post, control your dock buddies, and look for other ways to outsmart the "bad" guys.

I love the gas cap lock....I want one. I believe that a blowup of Deputy Barney Fife would also yield great results.

[hoglaw]

Skeeter:

You probably misunderstood your attorney. If he actually said what you think he said, then you need to find a new one.

Please don't shoot anyone. Also, don't electrify your gas cap. Other than the obvious issues of electricity near gasoline, placing booby traps capable of causing physical harm is a tort, and likely a crime in Missouri (it is in Arkansas). If someone tried to steal your gas and got hurt by a trap you had placed, they'd likely wind up getting your boat if you catch my drift.

[bigredbirdfan]

What if this is this gentlemen's houseboat or cabin cruiser he sleeps in can he defend himself then?