Bennett Spring Thefts

[FlyFishinFool]

Dave - Yeah, getting broken into in front of the Park store surprised the heck out of me also, I was parked at the far left end of the lot next to the Dining Lodge parking lot, and there were only about 3 other vehicles in the lots when I went in (it was right at 5:30am)! - I assume they popped the tailgate lock and opened the camper shell door so fast no one would have seen anything other than someone getting into what appeared to be their own truck. The Sheriff said that they have not had too much problem of this type at the Park, but I guess that is changing.

FishinCricket - Thanks for the offer - I did file a police report with the Dallas County Sheriff and he noted in his report that they were notifying all the local pawn shops. The rod was simply a TempleForkOutfitters Professional 5wt 8.5' 4pc (black with gold lettering)with no special marks on it; and the rod tube was a "White River" brand covered in medium green canvas (bought it at Bass Pro), again with no special markings. The hat was a Tilley's hat made from light green nylon with a dark green underbrim, a chin strap that you can tuck up inside, the sides snap up like an Aussie hat, and it had a braided hat band made from dark green and light tan (almost white) cord (cord looks like really heavy shoelaces). I had my name and home phone number printed inside the top of the hat (visible just by looking inside), and it had a trout tag holder pinned on the back of the hat. My guess is that the stolen hat will be for personal use or given to a friend, and with no name on the rod - well, there are probably dozens that look just like it being used at Bennett on any given weekend.

I asked about the possibility of any cameras on the store parking lot, and the folks working there said they did not - basically they have never had a need for one. The final disappointing thing is that I also notified the Park Ranger, I figured he would be in the Park a lot more than the Dallas Sheriff's department and thus would have a better opportunity to catch the thief. After taking my name and phone number, the Ranger said he did not want any more details (I thnk I woke him up that early in the morning) and that he would call me later in the day to get the detailed information. Unfortunately, the Park Ranger never bothered to call me back during the rest of the 5 days I was there.

You are right RC - I always felt thiat was where we went to get away from all the "city" cr*p - but I guess it followed us. Guess I have to get a 2nd alarm system installed on my vehicle that covers the tailgate. Probably won't cost any more than what I lost in the recent theft! - Just a sad state of affairs........

Oh well....Let's Go Fishing !!! Yeah !!!! ;-)

[oneshot]

Sorry to hear this we'll ask our Son if any of the Outfitters have noticed Theifs picking up maybe we can find a pattern.

oneshot

[oneshot]

Well talked to my Son he said the Outfitters aren't having a problem but people Book there where the Park is open and people come and go as they please.

But he did say there is bunch of stealing going on along K HWY its Cattle,ATV's and Riding Lawnmowers.

oneshot

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't think the park is any different than anywhere else. If you put the right people in the right place with a temptation, its going to happen. The reality is that people are very trusting in the park and leaving rod and reels unguarded is fairly common. the majority don't have a problem.

What is unheard of, or at least to me is someone breaking into a vehicle in the park, much less in front of the store.

[FlyFishinFool]

I have been coming down to Bennett for more than 30 years, and I was amazed as anyone that someone would break into a vehicle parked in front of the store! In the past I often left stuff sticking out the back of my truck....not any more! As far as temptation? When my buddy left rod/reels laying in an open bed truck, I can see where that might tempt someone. My truck has a cab-level camper shell with very dark tinted windows on the truck bed - it is very hard to see what is inside in broad daylight, much less at 5:35AM; additionally, both the tailgate and the camper shell door were locked. The only temptation was that someone thought they could get away with stealing something because there were few (if any) people standing out in the parking lot. I hope folks have heard of it now, and keep their gear securely locked up!

[DoveTail]

Well that stinks! The felons need to be locked up.

[DoveTail]

Felons like the cover of darkness or early morning raids when no one can spot them.

Unknown to them, AR-15s and handcuffs are on the way!

Packing them up and shipping them out!!!

[lovetofish]

Dave - Yeah, getting broken into in front of the Park store surprised the heck out of me also, I was parked at the far left end of the lot next to the Dining Lodge parking lot, and there were only about 3 other vehicles in the lots when I went in (it was right at 5:30am)! - I assume they popped the tailgate lock and opened the camper shell door so fast no one would have seen anything other than someone getting into what appeared to be their own truck. The Sheriff said that they have not had too much problem of this type at the Park, but I guess that is changing.

FishinCricket - Thanks for the offer - I did file a police report with the Dallas County Sheriff and he noted in his report that they were notifying all the local pawn shops. The rod was simply a TempleForkOutfitters Professional 5wt 8.5' 4pc (black with gold lettering)with no special marks on it; and the rod tube was a "White River" brand covered in medium green canvas (bought it at Bass Pro), again with no special markings. The hat was a Tilley's hat made from light green nylon with a dark green underbrim, a chin strap that you can tuck up inside, the sides snap up like an Aussie hat, and it had a braided hat band made from dark green and light tan (almost white) cord (cord looks like really heavy shoelaces). I had my name and home phone number printed inside the top of the hat (visible just by looking inside), and it had a trout tag holder pinned on the back of the hat. My guess is that the stolen hat will be for personal use or given to a friend, and with no name on the rod - well, there are probably dozens that look just like it being used at Bennett on any given weekend.

I asked about the possibility of any cameras on the store parking lot, and the folks working there said they did not - basically they have never had a need for one. The final disappointing thing is that I also notified the Park Ranger, I figured he would be in the Park a lot more than the Dallas Sheriff's department and thus would have a better opportunity to catch the thief. After taking my name and phone number, the Ranger said he did not want any more details (I thnk I woke him up that early in the morning) and that he would call me later in the day to get the detailed information. Unfortunately, the Park Ranger never bothered to call me back during the rest of the 5 days I was there.

You are right RC - I always felt thiat was where we went to get away from all the "city" cr*p - but I guess it followed us. Guess I have to get a 2nd alarm system installed on my vehicle that covers the tailgate. Probably won't cost any more than what I lost in the recent theft! - Just a sad state of affairs........

Oh well....Let's Go Fishing !!! Yeah !!!! ;-)

Don't bother the Ranger. Those old guys could care less. They are overpaid anyway. I always call the deputies. they at least seem to care. Have you noticed how many rangers cahnge out. Notice the young guys at bennett who did something don't last long. I understand the Park Manager can't stand new young guys coming in on his territory. The guy that drives the minivan is the Park Manager, a real jerk when it comes to dealing with you. He is a real manipulator when he talkes to you.

[swellcat]

. . . AR-15s . . . are on the way!

Yay!