Thieves Caught At Truman Lake

[Donna G]

Absolutely ! Got mine three years ago at Wally World. It's a two part deal to make it long enough to a.) reach over and go around the dock framework and b.) to not stress the bow eye and glass if the boat lift get's "accidentally lowered". Both pieces are made of heavy steel cable covered in thick clear vinyl to protect boat finish. First half is an 8' long cable with swedged loops at both ends. Second half is also a heavy steel cable covered in vinyl that coils up when not stretched out and has the lock on it. The lock on the second part locks with a vending machine style key and that key cannot accidentally fall out when the lock is unlocked. Both the swedges on the looped ends and the lock are embedded in heavy plastic. Both halves have the "Brinks" name on them and seem well made. Cheap insurance to keep these scum from taking your boat out into the middle of the lake at night and stripping it.

Skeeter,

Did you get your lock in the hardware section? We got a good bicycle lock at Wally World last year, but the one you describe sounds like a cool deal. We were staying at Robin's Resort for a CPAA tournament at LOA. The week before 5 boats were floated off and ransacked. Our room faced the slip we were in and it was well-lighted, but it's still creepy thinking you could get up in the morning and find your stuff or boat gone.

Donna G

[motoman]

I've also heard of guys buying baby monitors, and plugging in the transmitter part in the boat, off of the shore power on the dock. They would have the transmitter hidden somewhere in the boat to hear any walking around, or commotion.

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Then of course they would have the receiver on the nightstand next to them to hear any ruckus. (although this would only work if your room was within close proximity to the dock)

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Having little ones, I will recommend if anyone looking to buy a baby monitor; make sure you get one with the new DECT technology. We got a great Safety 1st brand for about $40. Otherwise, without that DECT option, the ridiculous amount of static/interference will keep you up at night.

[motoman]

Saw the super thick, 12' coated cable (looped ends) at our BPS tonight for $14.99, with the hitch/trailer supplies.

[skeeter]

Skeeter,

Did you get your lock in the hardware section? We got a good bicycle lock at Wally World last year, but the one you describe sounds like a cool deal. We were staying at Robin's Resort for a CPAA tournament at LOA. The week before 5 boats were floated off and ransacked. Our room faced the slip we were in and it was well-lighted, but it's still creepy thinking you could get up in the morning and find your stuff or boat gone.

Donna G

I think I found the two pieces in the Automotive section. Pretty sure it was from the Berryville AR store. But that was about three/four years ago and you know how Wal Mart never carries the same thing twice !! You might try a Lowe's or Home Depot too or an Auto Parts store.

This whole thing is just getting ridiculous and out of control with these thieves and the tournaments seem to really draw them.

[mosouthpaw]

more info on the theft bust.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmas...a_news_20090724

[skeeter]

more info on the theft bust.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmas...a_news_20090724

Thanks much for posting that link. I'm forwarding to a buddy who got "cleaned out" really bad on Baxter Dock back in April. Maybe he can I.D. some things. Hope they put this scum away in the big house for a long, long time and his cellmates enjoy his company.....

[Bill P]

This guy has been selling tackle on E-Bay. Unfortunately,I recently(couple months ago) bought several wiggle warts from him. His EBay seller name is 'waterguy57',and I sent a report to EBay.

[skeeter]

Thanks much for posting that link. I'm forwarding to a buddy who got "cleaned out" really bad on Baxter Dock back in April. Maybe he can I.D. some things. Hope they put this scum away in the big house for a long, long time and his cellmates enjoy his company.....

I got thru to my friend and the Sheriff has been in contact with him and this IS the thief who hit his boat on Baxter Dock. Unfortunately, the stolen items were not marked and there is going to be a problem proving ownership. He didn't say how they knew this was the guy but since Law Enforcement has been in touch there must have been some good matching descriptions. I suppose that is a lesson for anglers that we should mark our rods, reels and electronics ( record serial numbers probably ! ) but I have no idea how a person would mark a rod. I'm thinking engrave a Driver's License number somewhere on your reels with one of those inexpensive little engraving pens but any suggestions on marking rods would be appreciated.

Supposedly, this pondscum was selling Thousands of Dollars of stolen equipment at flea markets, yard sales etc. and eBay. When they caught him in the act they discovered a "stash" of many thousands of dollars of stolen goods he had not been able to unload at sales yet.

[rps]

"I have no idea how a person would mark a rod."

Use permanent marker to write your name on the cork handle?

[motoman]

"I have no idea how a person would mark a rod."

Use permanent marker to write your name on the cork handle?

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Or the reel seat. With one of those fine point sharpies.