Recently and over the past several months, boats have been disappearing from properties around the upper and lower Moodus Reservoir.
More than a half-dozen boats (and a kayak with an estimated value of $1,000) have gone missing.
Most of the vessels that have been stolen have been described as smaller, 10 to 14- foot aluminum boats. There has been discussion among some residents about the possibility that the person(s) responsible for the thefts may be turning them in to scrap-metal companies in exchange for cash.
Some of the boats belong to residents that own homes that are considered "seasonal cottages", as well as some that are only occupied on weekends. Others are year-round homes, and boats are believed to have been taken during the daytime hours when homeowners are away at work.
The boats are generally being taken from the yards rather than by way of the lake, although over the years there have been incidents where some boats and canoes have been stolen from the shoreline.
According to Officers Harold Lindo and Larry Golet, of the Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police, or EnCon Police, boat owners need to be vigilant.
One of the most important items for a boat owner to have documented, according to Lindo and Golet, in case their boat is stolen would be the Hull Identification Number, or HIN. These letters and/or numbers are the 12 digits that are inscribed on a boat that uniquely identify it, much the same as a VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number on a motor-vehicle. By having these numbers available for police in the event of theft, these can help to validate ownership when a boat is stolen, but later recovered.
The HIN number is not to be confused with the "Registration Number" (or stickers) which are usually located on the sides of the boat:
"I would also advise boat owners to engrave the (HIN) numbers in an additional (hidden) location, since thieves have often tampered with these numbers after stealing a boat, sometimes simply scratching them off to make the boat unidentifiable," Lindo said.
The HIN number is listed on a title, registration or insurance certificate, but in the case of a boat that doesn't need these types of documents, such as a rowboat, this detail can sometimes be overlooked.
"Anything extra that can be done to act as a deterrent, such as some type of a locking system rather than just to keep your boat tied to a dock is also helpful. If a would-be thief has to do any extra work to steal the boat, they'll sometimes just move on," said Lindo.
It can be helpful to keep your boat in plain view from your home, when it's secured to a dock on the shoreline of your property, so you would notice if anyone suspicious could be lurking around it from the water. Neighbors can be helpful for keeping an eye out if they are close by and stay aware.
Having a thorough description of your vessel for police, such as length, color, make and model is important, as well as a photo if possible. If your boat is on a trailer in your yard, be sure to keep a padlock on the trailer coupler so it cannot be easily hooked up to a vehicle and driven away.
If you are a seasonal or part-time resident and are planning to be away from your property for any length of time, keep your boat out of sight and stored in a locked garage or shed if possible.
If you have questions or concerns regarding general boating safety rules or regulations, or need to report any violations or illegal activity related to the use of the lake, you may contact the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Boating Safety Division at 860-424-3333.
In the case of any emergency, always immediately dial 911.
If you are a victim of a boat theft, you may report it to the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226, or the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-537-7500.
"If You See Something, Say Something," and if you want to report any suspicious activity, but prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the East Haddam (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.
*Photos above depicting Hull Identification and Registration Numbers have been used with permission and are courtesy of HINvalid.com.
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