stolen outboard register

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warrior40

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14 Jun 2002
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Does such a thing exist?? I tried a search but didn't find much. I know there was a post about it recently here, or over there, but I never read it, and can't see it now
Cheers

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The Police National Computer has the facility to record engine numbers for stolen outboard motors.This can only be accessed by the appropriate authorities and is not available to the public.The technology enables Police officers to carry out immediate checks on engines that come to their attention.Unfortunately many boat owners do not keep a record of their engine numbers.

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I reported my stolen outboard to a police station. I had the serial number and provided it to them. They could not have been less interested and I never heard from them again.

A GPS set stolen from my boat had my postcode engraved on the screen. I provided serial number, post code and all other details to the police and again, they alomost laughed at me. Never heard about that, either.

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As a former member of the constabulary it breaks my heart to hear stories like this.Just like the Health Service I think the Police are broken beyond repair.Successive Governments have managed to almost completely erode the sense of vocation that used to be inherent and supplanted it with an 'its just a job' mentality.The practice of manning front offices and control rooms with civilians (sorry'Support Staff') has led to all too many incidents of the type you describe.Many of today's officers would be unemployable in industry.Not so long ago they were in the minority and were referred to as 'uniform carriers' but now they are the norm..................I think I will stop there before I get really depressed.

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I was burgled two weeks ago, stole all the usual TV/Video etc, jewellery and my H/H GPS - marked with Post code inside and outside. Police turned up but got the distinct impression that they were only going through the motions - very little chance of anything turning up...

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I'd rather be sailing... :-) /forums/images/icons/smile.gif
 
Maybe Kim could add a new forum for stolen items.Things stolen from boats go where? to other boat owners.So if we had id numbers ect maybe the next boat jumble bargin may be seen in its true light as stolen goods.
I always see the police at such events, what are they doing there if not looking for stolen items?I for one would be happy to carry a list of say outboards(if i was considering buying one)so as to help check that i am not buying a stolen one and therefore unwittingley contributing to the black market cycle and then report the seller to the authorities.
Then if we (as i'm sure most of us do?)mark our goods with our post code or ID numbers,Smart water ect and use locks or even take the things home,If they do get stolen you may have at least a slight chance of them being returned.
Could we as boat owners not ask whoever is selling the things to prove they are not stolen?or is there a Dell boy "off the back of a lorry " attitude where the person buying just dose not care?
We could do our bit my 1,doing our best not to loose them in the first place,2 not buying things from dubious places./forums/images/icons/wink.gif



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I'm sure you're correct. The GPS stolen from me, several years ago now, was a brand new Apelco 1000. I fitted it the weekend before launching, antenna on the pushpit, display at the chart table. Next weekend it was gone, antenna and mounting from the pushpit complete with a length of cable. Washboards forced and hatch opened. Display unscrewed and the cables cut, i.e. making sure all the plugs were taken as well. Nothing else taken, washboards replaced and hatch closed. It couldn't have been anything else than another boat owner, who probably watched me install it and removed it as soon as I drove home. I visited the boatyard for several more weekends to try to spot it on another boat, unsuccessfully.

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I am sure that the manufacturers could do-are doing something as they have done with cars? key codes, removeable face equipment? Why cant the MMSI number of DSC set be "burnt in" so as to make them useless to any other boat,outboards could have a coded immobliser(like your car key).Yes its down to cost but with mass production they can only be minimal and as we buy them they get cheaper.It boils down to what we want as consumers and if one manufacturer starts to include these "selling features" others will follow.
None of the anti theft features are the total answer but they do help against the opportunist thief.The root (IMHO) is the bargin buyers who are the demanding market for the stolen goods.Without their custom we would not have this problem.
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About those stolen outboard motors

I agree with you. Trying to recover a stolen outboard is nearly impossible.
I suffered the same fate. Grief and loss of an asset. Then I had an idea.
So I am creating a website where you can submit info about your stolen engine. It is free of charge. Free, no gimmicks.
I'm building the database now.
Law enforcement and insurers will be on board.
The website should be up and running in a couple of weeks where you can upload the info yourself.
In the mean time you can e-mail me the serial number and your e-mail address and I'd add you to the files.
No one can see this info unless they enter your motors correct serial number.
The site will be secure.
If you don't trust me with this info keep the website url handy and keep checking on it's progress.
Mike in Tallahassee
email
stolenoutboards@gmail.com
future site
stolenoutboards.com
 
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