http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/boatingexp_3409.mp3
Missouri boaters will power up their propellers next weekend for Fourth of July festivities. However, along with the increased lake traffic comes the potential for dock and boat theft. Brett Moser reports.
In late April, over twelve thousand dollars worth of fishing equipment was stolen from a boat at Lake of the Ozarks, according to the Missouri Water Patrol.
Though no recent thefts have occurred in that area, officials warn thieves are constantly on the lookout for opportunities.
Captain Gary Haupt of the Missouri Water Patrol says identifying suspicious activity can be difficult.
Haupt describes thefts from docks as crimes of opportunity. He says the best thing owners can do is to make sure their boat won't be targeted in the first place.
Kevin Polcyn at Bass Pro's Tracker Boat Center says additional devices can help prevent theft.
Captain Haupt says that helping neighbors by forming local dock watch programs to monitor activity is a boat owner's best alarm system.
I'm Brett Moser for KSMU News.