Bust on Table Rock

[Phil Lilley]

Just talked to the MWP. They carried out a sting last night on the lake and caught at least one individual stealing a boat and then using the boat to steal more equipment on other docks.

This has been a huge problem on Table Rock... glad to see they are making some headway.

[champ187xr6]

Lilley...where is the majority of this stealing taking place on the lake? I know 10 years ago or so it was out of the area kids coming down on the weekend and going from dock to dock but I don't think they were actually stealing boats. I hope they get more than the regular slap on the wrist.

[MOBass]

It would be safe to say that theft has become a problem on all of the area lakes. About all you can do is sleep in your boat if you want to make sure all of your stuff will be there in the morning. I doubt we will see things improve anytime soon.

I went fishing Friday nigth and while I didn't run into any theft probelms I was a little nervous when I got back to the ramp. There were a few rigs parked and a car which appeared empty. I put the trailer in the water and was going back to the boat when the car that was in the lot pulled down with no lights on and parked on the ramp next to me. Not sure if it was just curiosity or not but it didn't give me a warm fuzzy. No one got out and the car eventually pulled away. Call me a wimp but I'll stick to night fishing with a group from now on.

[Steve Smith]

I would agree not only on area lakes, but also in public parks. I for one had my locked fly rod case pryed open in Roaring River Park this year. The culprits must have gotten spooked before they could finish the job, as they just busted a couple of hinges. I wouldn't leave anything unsecured in my vehicle or boat anywhere at anytime.

[mcp633]

Just a heads up to anyone on the larger lakes. Without giving away too much intel, there is a ring of theives that MSWP has been after for a few years. This group seems to hit the areas where tournaments are happening or about to happen. You know, where the high dollar tackle is . Its happened down on Table Rock and Lake Ozark. Anyway, like anything else, don't make yourself a victim. If you don't lock it up, don't cry when its gone .

Kyle

[Bill Babler]

Guys, they have found that the lock it up theory is the absolute worst thing you can do.

REMOVE ALL YOUR TACKLE AND RODS IF YOU ARE STAYING AT ANY TABLEROCK LAKE, or LAKE OZARK RESORT AND LEAVE YOUR BOXES OPEN !!!!!!

The thieves are really hitting any bass boat with a locker-bar. It takes about 20 seconds to break that locker-bar out of the side of a fiberglass boat, and if it is locked they know there are rods in it.

On lake O and out of Baxter Marina on the Rock, they have just been after the high dollar bass rockets with locker-bars.

All that locker-bar is good for is to keep petty thieves out and to keep simi-honest people honest. The real thieves want to see that bar, it means there are goodies that are inside and they are really easy to get.

[rainbow]

We stay on Taney and Bull Shoals and have not had any problems at Lilley's. Last year a couple of boats at Fall Creek got cleaned out of thousands worth of gear. As a precaution I take all my gear out of the boat and my electronics. I do leave some things like nets, bait jars and junk that is not expensive. I never lock my rod lockers because I don't want to fix them after they bust the locks in ten seconds. I pity to poor guy I ever see taking something off of my boat.

[mcp633]

Good point fellas. Bottom line is, if somebody wants to take something from you, they're probably going to find a way to get it. Best thing to do is not let them know you have it, as Bill suggested, or sleep with one eye open with your gear under your pillow.

[Growler]

About 16 (or more) years ago my Dad's locker on his boat dock was broken into. This happened in the Buttermilk area. We lost rods/reels, tackle, batteries, electronics, gas, everything. Every year people had their docks "stripped" of all valuables. At that time the Sheriff said they had suspects...nothing ever came of it. In fact this is the first bust of this kind I have heard of.

In a similar incident, about 6 years ago I was fishing on Taneycomo one afternoon into the night. When I finished & returned to my car, everything was gone. I had just returned from Minnesota trip and had ALL my tackle still in my car, including spinning rods & baitcasting gear. Lost it all. I could even see the marks where they used a slim-jim to open the door. At least they didn't break a window or do any damage to get in.

Moral to this story: When on a trip, only take what you need and will have in sight at all times. Never leave anything unattended. If you see someone acting suspicious, call the Sheriff and get the license number of their vehicle or write down the numbers of the boat they are in.

[Quillback]

Things are bad here in Washington state also. You can't leave anything of value in your vehicle at any of the access points. The latest thing the thieves have been doing is stealing gas. If you put on a locking gas cap they cut the hose to the gas tank. I miss the good old days when you went to a fishing spot and you felt like you were in a safe place.